Upper Darby, PA Fire Regulations: Fire Pits & Backyard Fires (2026)

3, Portable outdoor fireplaces, with local text. A portable outdoor fireplace must be completely enclosed, using solid material, heavy-duty screening, or both, with or without a stack or chimney; units burning combustible material need a screen at the top to stop large embers from escaping, and all materials must be kept in good repair and safe condition. Fuel is restricted: units burning combustible material may use only non-pressure-treated wood, charcoal, or fireplace logs, propane units may burn only propane, and no waste material or anything likely to cause excessive smoke or noxious odors is allowed; fuel loaded into the device cannot exceed its safe capacity.

Placement is tightly controlled: the fireplace must sit at least 15 feet from a structure, including decks and balconies, or from combustible material, must be stable and reasonably level to prevent tipping, and cannot be used on a deck, inside a tent, or under any roof. Finally, a fire pit must be constantly attended until it is fully extinguished. The amendment applies whenever it is stricter than a manufacturer's own instructions, so the more restrictive standard controls.