Are Fire Pits Legal in Pennsylvania?

Navigating Fire Pit Regulations in Pennsylvania

For residents of Pennsylvania, enjoying the warmth and ambiance of an outdoor fire pit comes with certain responsibilities and regulations to ensure safety and compliance with local laws. Here’s what you need to know about fire pit rules in Philadelphia, as well as regulations in neighboring regions like Allegheny County.

Philadelphia Fire Pit Regulations:

In Philadelphia, fire pits must adhere to specific guidelines to mitigate fire hazards and ensure the safety of residents and property. Here are the key regulations:

• Minimum Distance Requirement: Fire pits must be positioned at least 15 feet away from any structure, including combustible decks or balconies. This distance helps prevent the risk of fire spreading to nearby buildings and structures.
• Stability and Placement: Fire pits must be placed on stable and reasonably level ground to prevent tipping. Additionally, they must not be located under a covered patio, as this can increase the risk of fire hazards.
• Constant Supervision: Fire pits must be constantly attended until extinguished. This requirement emphasizes the importance of responsible fire management to prevent accidents and ensure the safety of the surrounding area.

Burning Regulations in Pittsburgh:

In Allegheny County, which encompasses Pittsburgh and its surrounding areas, specific regulations govern open burning and the use of fire pits. Here are the key points to keep in mind:

• Approved Materials for Burning: Only clean wood, propane, or natural gas may be burned in fire pits. Additionally, commercially available fire logs, paraffin logs, or wood pellets, as well as paper or commercial smokeless fire starters for ignition purposes, are permitted. Charcoal is allowed solely for food preparation purposes.
• Size Limitations: Fires in fire pits must not exceed dimensions of 3 feet wide by 3 feet long by 2 feet high. Adhering to these size limitations helps control the intensity of the fire and reduces the risk of it getting out of control.
• Minimum Distance Requirement: Fire pits must be situated at least 15 feet away from the nearest neighbor’s dwelling or inhabited area, including property lines, roadways, sidewalks, or other public access areas. This distance requirement aims to prevent the spread of fire and minimize the impact on neighboring properties.
• Prohibition During Air Quality Action Days: Wood-burning fire pits are prohibited during Air Quality Action Days to help reduce air pollution and protect public health.

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.

By understanding and adhering to these regulations, residents can enjoy their outdoor fire pits safely and responsibly, while also respecting the laws that govern their use in Philadelphia and surrounding areas.