{"id":4013141,"date":"2021-05-11T02:00:00","date_gmt":"2021-05-11T07:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/housecaravan.com\/?p=4013141"},"modified":"2021-12-20T11:04:04","modified_gmt":"2021-12-20T16:04:04","slug":"is-a-fire-pit-considered-an-open-fire","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/housecaravan.com\/is-a-fire-pit-considered-an-open-fire\/","title":{"rendered":"Is a Fire Pit Considered an Open Fire?"},"content":{"rendered":"

The frequent wildfires have prompted burn bans in places all across the country, making one wonder if a fire pit is considered an open fire. Is it against the law to light a fire pit in your backyard? What are the rules and regulations that you need to follow when lighting fire pits? We have shared helpful information about lighting a fire pit that you can refer to.<\/p>\n

Is a fire pit considered an open fire? A fire pit is considered an open fire in most cases. On the other hand, you should take note that some municipalities may define open burning differently. This is because while fire pits directly expel smoke into the air, many are off the ground and will unlikely get in contact with combustible materials that could start a larger fire. Before starting a fire pit in your backyard, make sure to check your town or city regulations with regard to burning.<\/strong><\/p>\n

What is considered an open burning? Do you need a permit for a fire pit? Where should you put a fire pit in your house? These are some of the questions that we will discuss in this article. Many people enjoy spending a cold evening in front of a glowing fire. But before lighting a fire pit in your backyard, check out your city regulations to make sure that you are not breaking any law.<\/p>\n\n\n

\"Is
Image by Brian Stephens<\/a> from Pixabay<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

Do You Need a Permit for a Fire Pit?<\/h2>\n

In general, you do not need to have a permit to light fire pits in your backyard. The burn permits are only required for industrial purposes such as waste disposal.<\/strong> To make sure, it is recommended that you call your local fire department and double-check the rules and regulations. Discuss with them the size and purpose of the fire pit that you are planning to have.<\/p>\n

What Types of Open Burn Fires Need a Permit?<\/h2>\n

Non-recreational purposes like waste disposal or wood waste from a demolition activity require a burn permit.<\/strong> If you are planning to have any kind of open fire especially in a residential area, make sure that you check with your local fire department.<\/p>\n

Can You Have a Fire Pit in Your Backyard?<\/h2>\n

Whether you can or cannot use a fire pit in your backyard will have to depend on the rules of the city that you live. Some areas restrict the use of a fire pit when air quality is low or there is a high chance that a fire might occur. On the other hand, some places have strict ordinances and guidelines with regards to the weather or time of year.<\/strong> You first need to determine what is considered to be an open fire in your area. You can also read this article titled, is it better to burn paper or throw it away<\/a>? Check out the article for an in-depth discussion about the topic.<\/p>\n

Where in Your Property Should You Put a Fire Pit?<\/h2>\n

Usually, fire pits are placed between 20 to 30 feet away from your house, but make sure to check with your local law for the required fire pit distance from structures.<\/strong> If you want to install a fixed fire pit structure on your property, you can hire the services of a licensed contractor. They can also advise you about the local laws when it comes to fire pit safety and compliance. We have also shared this article that discusses if you can burn pellets in a fire pit<\/a>. Check out the article for more information about the topic.<\/p>\n

What is Considered a Recreational Fire?<\/h2>\n

Typically, a recreational<\/a> fire is an outdoor fire for burning materials that is not trash, and the fuel is not contained by a grill, incinerator, or other cooking appliance.<\/strong> Some municipalities limit the size of a recreational fire to be 3 feet in diameter and 3 feet in height. The purpose of a recreational fire can be anything from pleasure, cooking, warmth, or religious or ceremonial.<\/p>\n

What is Considered an Open Burning?<\/h2>\n

Open burning<\/a> is when any materials are burned and air contaminants are directly released into the air rather than passing through a chimney or a stack.<\/strong> The items that are allowed under the open burn policy depend on the area where you are located. Some places have a strict law with regards to what they allow for open burning, while other places have more open restrictions.<\/p>\n

Rules and Regulations for Backyard Fire Pit<\/h2>\n

Towns and cities usually allow small recreational fires in their neighborhoods. Building a recreational fire also means that you are burning a reasonable amount of wood which can produce smoke that can affect your neighbors. Take note that not all fire safety regulations are based on being a respectful neighbor, but most laws are made so that you can avoid setting your home on fire or releasing dangerous chemicals into the air.<\/strong><\/p>\n

Below are some of the standard fire safety regulations on backyard recreational fires:<\/p>\n

    \n
  • The fire should be at a safe distance from any combustible surfaces. Make sure that the fire is between 20 to 30 feet from your house, shed, or other structures.<\/li>\n
  • Light your fire pit at least 10 feet from the property line to avoid smoke from entering your neighbor\u2019s property.<\/li>\n
  • Make sure that no tree branches are hanging over the fire.<\/li>\n
  • Take note of the wind conditions because it poses a significant threat to the safety of your neighborhood when you have a fire going. You are not allowed to light a backyard fire pit when the wind conditions are over 15 miles per hour.<\/li>\n
  • All types of open fires should be supervised by an adult while they are burning. Do not leave fire pits unattended.<\/li>\n
  • The fire should not be taller than three feet high and three feet wide. This is because towering fires can be a fire safety threat.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

    \u2705 Video \u2013 Fire Pit Safety Tips<\/h3>\n

    WPRI shared the video below on YouTube. It discusses fire pit safety tips. In the video, consumer reporter Susan Hogan provides some tips and information on how to have a safe backyard fire pit. Check out the video below for more information.<\/p>\n\n\n

    \n