Are Fire Pits Legal in Missouri?

Navigating Fire Pit Laws in Missouri: What You Need to Know:

Fire pits have become a staple of outdoor entertainment, providing warmth and ambiance for gatherings with friends and family. However, understanding the laws and regulations surrounding fire pit usage is essential to ensure safety and compliance, especially in states like Missouri. While regulations may vary across different jurisdictions within the state, certain guidelines and local ordinances help maintain fire safety standards.

In Missouri, fire pit regulations primarily focus on the materials being burned rather than the presence of the fire pit itself. According to Shelby Hunsaker from the Air Pollution Control Program, there are no specific rules or required permits for having fire pits, whether they are gas or wood-burning. However, it’s important to ensure that materials burned are clean, dry, and comply with environmental regulations. Logs, natural gas, propane, and other vegetative waste are generally accepted for recreational purposes.

Local Restrictions and Guidelines:

As fire pits are classified as open burning in Missouri, it’s crucial to contact the city or county jurisdiction to determine any local restrictions before conducting any open burning activities. While statewide regulations may be limited, some municipalities offer specific guidelines to ensure safe fire pit usage. For instance, the City of Springfield Fire Department advises having a means of extinguishing the fire present at all times and prohibits fires when wind speeds exceed 15 mph. Additionally, there are limits on the size of the fire, with a maximum diameter of 3 feet and a height of 2 feet.

Specifics in St. Louis:

In St. Louis, burning trash or yard waste in fire pits is prohibited. However, using standard burning materials such as wood or gas is allowed without requiring permits. It’s essential to adhere to guidelines such as limiting the total base area of recreational fires to not exceed 9 square feet to ensure compliance with local regulations.

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 navigating fire pit laws in Missouri may seem daunting due to variations across jurisdictions, understanding the key regulations and guidelines is essential for safe and compliant usage. In Missouri, the focus is primarily on the materials burned rather than the presence of the fire pit itself. Local restrictions and guidelines, such as those outlined by the City of Springfield and specific regulations in St. Louis, provide valuable insight into ensuring responsible fire pit usage. Additionally, considerations regarding certifications and safety standards, particularly for gas fire pits, play a crucial role in promoting fire safety and minimizing liability risks, especially for commercial establishments. By staying informed and adhering to local regulations, individuals can continue to enjoy the warmth and ambiance of fire pits while prioritizing safety and environmental responsibility.