Are Fire Pits Legal in Nevada?

Navigating the Rules and Regulations Surrounding Fire Pits in Nevada:

Understanding the regulations surrounding fire pits in Nevada is essential for residents and visitors alike to enjoy outdoor gatherings safely and responsibly. While the Silver State boasts stunning landscapes and ideal weather for outdoor activities, understanding the laws governing fire pit usage is crucial to prevent accidents and ensure compliance with local ordinances. From Las Vegas to Reno and beyond, specific guidelines dictate where and how fire pits can be utilized, emphasizing the importance of fire safety and environmental protection. Let’s delve into the regulations governing fire pits in Nevada to ensure everyone can enjoy the warmth and ambiance of a crackling fire while respecting the laws in place.

Clark County encompasses 3 of the 4 most populated areas in Nevada, Las Vegas, North Las Vegas and Henderson. The Clark County website states that fire pits are perfectly legal to own and use (provided they don’t cause any nuisance) and don’t require a permit. However, fire pits can be prohibited during air pollution episodes, so be sure to keep an eye on the news in case of any extenuating circumstances such as forest fires. 

It is also important to note that the Las Vegas Fire & Rescue states fire pits should be used in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions and should not be operated within 15 feet of a structure or combustible materials. If you own a wood burning rather than gas fire pit, it is important to consider that offensive or objectionable smoke emissions are prohibited, so be mindful of your surroundings and neighbours! 

Outside of Clark County, Reno is also one of Nevada’s largest cities. A permit is not required for the use of outdoor fire pits or fireplaces at one and two-family dwellings. As in Clark County, fire pits generally must be 15 feet from your house or anything combustible and used according to manufacturer instructions. However, the Truckee Meadows Fire District in Reno states that one and two-family dwellings are not subject to this rule, although they don’t specify an acceptable distance. Nonetheless, we recommend being cautious, particularly if your fire pit is wood burning rather than gas. 

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, make sure your fire pit follows any temporary burn ban restrictions and doesn’t produce excessive amounts of smoke. Moreover, stick to a safe distance from any structures such as your house, sheds or other combustible materials. Lastly, keep cozy and don’t forget to roast a few marshmallows!