Fishers, IN Outdoor Cooking: BBQ & Propane Rules (2026)

Outdoor barbecue and propane grilling are generally permitted in Fishers, with cooking fires expressly recognized among the allowed burning activities by the Fishers Department of Fire and Emergency Services. The city's permitted-burning guidance lists recreational and cooking purposes (such as camp fires) among allowed fires, subject to the general conditions that fires be attended, kept away from structures, and not create a nuisance or hazard. For propane grills specifically, there is no separate Fishers ordinance; LP-gas cylinder use is governed by the Indiana Fire Code, which is adopted statewide based on the International Fire Code and enforced locally by the Fishers fire marshal. The practical, code-based norms are to use and store grill propane cylinders outdoors, keep them upright and away from ignition sources, and never operate a propane or charcoal grill inside a home or enclosed garage. Multifamily housing is the main restriction to watch: open burning is absolutely prohibited in apartment complexes and mobile home parks, and the International Fire Code generally restricts the use of open-flame and charcoal cooking devices on combustible balconies or near combustible construction at apartment buildings. Homeowners grilling in a single-family backyard have wide latitude as long as the grill is attended and kept a safe distance from the house and other combustibles. Because the controlling rules are the adopted state fire code and the fire department's burning guidance rather than a dedicated grilling ordinance, residents at apartments or condos should check their property's and the fire marshal's specific requirements.