Are Fire Pits Legal in Alaska?

Navigating the Rules and Regulations Surrounding Fire Pits in Alaska

Under Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) regulations, fire pits fall under the category of open burning. Although fire pits are contained, it is still necessary to consider the potential hazards they pose to you and your local environment. As experts in the field, let us guide you to enjoying your fire pit safely so you can enjoy the outdoors and keep cosy.

Air Quality Control:

For outdoor residential fire pits, gas or wood burning, there are no permits required from an Air Quality standpoint. However, there are general Air Pollution Prohibited regulations (18 AAC 50.110) that states, “No person may permit any emission which is injurious to human health or welfare, animal or plant life, or property, or which would unreasonably interfere with the enjoyment of life or property.” Gas burning fire pits tend to produce very few emissions and are virtually “smokeless” so if you live in a populated area they may be a more suitable option.

Please note, these are only State of Alaska, DEC Air Quality regulations, this does not include any potential local restrictions or requirements, you should check with your local municipal government to ensure there are no open burn permit requirements as certain areas.

Local Requirements: 

Residents should also check with their local municipal government for any additional restrictions or requirements. Certain areas, like Juneau, have specific regulations that apply to open burning/backyard burn pits (18 AAC 50.065, .110), which includes referenced Nonattainment Areas including parts of the Juneau Mendenhall Valley, Lemon Creek and the Serious Nonattainment Area in parts of the Fairbanks North Star Borough. For instance, these areas require registering and displaying a burn permit for fire safety. Aside from these specific restrictions, there are no additional requirements for gas fire pits or permitting requirements for residential burns, single or multi-family dwellings.

 Department of Natural Resources Requirements: 

Additionally, the State Department of Natural Resources has requirements at: The Burn Permit Program – Alaska Department of Natural Resources, Division of Forestry that may or may not apply depending on the location. By understanding and adhering to both local and state regulations, residents can enjoy recreational fires safely and responsibly, enhancing their outdoor experiences while preserving the health and safety of their communities and the environment.

Anchorage Municipal Fire Pit Regulations:

In Anchorage, Alaska, a fire pit is also considered an “open burn” under Anchorage’s regulations. Specific guidelines must be followed to ensure safe and compliant usage. Certain burning materials are prohibited such as trash, leaves, yard debris, construction material, and woody debris. This regulation aims to minimize air pollution and reduce the risk of uncontrolled fires. Furthermore, the fire must not exceed a maximum diameter of 3 feet and a height of 2 feet. These size limitations help control the intensity of the fire and prevent it from spreading out of control. In addition, all recreational fires must be positioned at least 15 feet away from any structures to ensure the safety of nearby buildings and property. Lastly, fire pits must be constantly attended until extinguished. A fire extinguisher, sand, or garden hose must be readily available at all times to quickly respond to emergencies and prevent the fire from getting out of control.

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, understanding the rules and regulations surrounding fire pits in Alaska is crucial for ensuring both safety and compliance. From the state’s Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) regulations to local municipal guidelines and Department of Natural Resources requirements, there are various factors to consider to enjoy recreational fires responsibly. Anchorage’s municipal regulations further emphasize the importance of safe usage, including restrictions on burning materials and specific size limitations. Additionally, certifications such as those from ANSI or CSA play a significant role in ensuring the safety of gas fire pits, especially for commercial establishments. Adhering to these regulations not only enhances outdoor experiences but also preserves the health, safety, and environment of Alaska’s communities.