Backyard fire pits: Rules, clearance, and safety
By My Yard Editorial Team · 7/28/2026
The Quick Answer
Most codes require fire pits to be at least 10–25 feet from structures and property lines, with a maximum pit size around 3 feet across. Many towns also ban open burning of yard waste entirely.
The Witty Breakdown
Portable fire pits often have different (looser) rules than permanent masonry ones. That distinction matters when you're pulling permits.
Check for burn bans during dry spells; they're issued locally and change weekly.
Step-by-Step Fix
- 1
Verify your municipality's clearance distance and any permit requirement.
- 2
Site it on non-combustible material — pavers, gravel, or stone.
- 3
Keep a hose or extinguisher within reach; never leave it unattended.
- 4
Burn seasoned firewood only — no leaves, no construction scrap, no pallets.
Pro-Tip / Do Not Do This
Do not build a fire pit under a tree canopy or a deck overhang. Radiant heat and embers are unforgiving, and so is your insurer.
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