Are Fire Pits Legal in Georgia?

Navigating the Rules and Regulations Surrounding Fire Pits in Georgia

Fire pits offer a delightful way to gather outdoors, providing warmth and ambiance for gatherings with friends and family. In Georgia, these recreational fire features are not only legal but embraced, offering residents a chance to enjoy the crackle of a fire under the open sky. However, regulations govern their use to ensure safety and environmental responsibility. Understanding these rules is crucial to enjoy fire pits responsibly and without legal ramifications.

In Georgia, fire pits are considered recreational burning therefore they are completely legal. However, you are limited to either wood burning or gas fire pits, burning man made materials such as tires, shingles, plastics, lumber or household garbage is strictly prohibited. Moreover, fire pits, particularly wood burning ones, may be subject to burning restrictions depending on the time of year or the county you live in. For instance, burn bans may apply during summer when fires are more likely to spread or when the local air quality is poor.

In Atlanta, outdoor burning within city limits is restricted, however fire pits and outdoor fireplaces are allowed as they are contained fires. However, these should be constructed/manufactured out of non-combustible materials such as concrete, clay or bricks. As for the rules you should follow when operating your fire pit, here is some advice from the Atlanta Fire and Rescue Department: 

1. Check with your local fire department or municipality for any restrictions before starting an open-air fire, recreational fire and obtain proper permits if required. Outdoor burning may not be permitted in some municipalities and during some seasons (i.e., during burn bans).
2. Closely supervise all outdoor fires. Make sure the fire is out before leaving the area.
3. Supervise children around any fire outdoors, including campfires, fire pits, chimineas, and outdoor fireplaces.
4. When allowed, recreational fires such as campfires need to be at least 25 feet (8 meters) away from anything that can burn. Contained fires such as those in fire pits need to be at least 10 feet (3 meters) away from anything that can burn.
5. Avoid burning on windy, dry days. Embers from open burning can ignite nearby structures or cause a wildfire.
6. When burning, have a hose, bucket of water, or shovel with dirt or sand nearby to extinguish the fire.

Certifications and Safety:

Another important thing to consider is whether the fire pit is certified or not. In the US, the American National Standards Institute, or ANSI, is the certification standard for all consumer products from clothing to outdoor fire pits. Organisations such as this develop safety standards that assure the customer the product is safe to use, hence they are particularly important for appliances such as gas fire pits. The Canadian equivalent of ANSI is the Canadian Standards Association, or CSA. These certifications are often both used for the regulation of outdoor gas fire pits in North America, whichever you choose, you can be assured that the product is held to a high standard. Additionally, which certification is required can depend on the state or even the county you live in. Therefore, you should always confirm with your local jurisdiction the certifications they require for gas fire pits. 

Moreover, if you run a commercial business, such as a hotel, bar or restaurant, or you rent out a private property, ensuring your fire pit is certified could be extremely important. In the event of an insurance claim resulting from the fire pit, insurance companies often won’t pay out if it is not certified. Also with gas fire pits, it is important to consider whether only the burner has been certified, or if the appliance has been certified in its entirety. If the fire pit isn’t certified as a whole, this could also cause issues with insurance claims.

In conclusion, while fire pits are a beloved addition to outdoor spaces, their safe and responsible use is paramount. Whether in Atlanta or elsewhere in Georgia, adhering to local regulations and safety guidelines ensures enjoyment without risk. Additionally, considering certifications for gas fire pits guarantees not only safety but also compliance with insurance requirements, particularly for commercial establishments. By following these guidelines, individuals can relish the warmth and camaraderie that fire pits offer while safeguarding themselves, their property, and the environment.