How close can a fire pit be to a house?
Two main factors determine how close a fire pit can be to a house:
- The science – This refers to the heat generated by the burner and the required distance between flammable materials and the heat source to ensure safety.
- The Regulations – Local building and fire codes, and national guidelines, determine how close a fire pit can be to structures, based on safety standards and regional concerns.
General Fire Pits
Fire pits – whether wood-burning or gas-powered – are regulated by a combination of national and local codes to ensure they are safely constructed, installed, and operated.
- National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) provides general safety guidelines for outdoor burning, safety measures, fuel sources, and clearance distances for fire pits. The NFPA 1: Fire Code outlines the basic rules for wood-burning and gas fire pits, including safe distances from structures and combustible materials. These guidelines vary based on the fuel source, such as wood, propane, or natural gas.
- Local Codes: Local jurisdictions (cities, counties, municipalities) often have more specific regulations. These can be stricter than national codes to address local fire risks, air quality concerns, or unique environmental conditions. Local codes take precedence over national codes. This is an example of “stricter compliance”, a critical safety measure for homeowners and property managers.
- Manufacturer’s Guidelines: Fire pit manufacturers provide installation manuals with clearance requirements. In case of a discrepancy between the manufacturer’s guidelines and local or national codes, the strictest guidelines must be followed, as the safety of the installation is the priority.
- Commercial Properties and Residential Buildings: Fire pit regulations also differ based on property type. For example, commercial properties or multi-family residential buildings (e.g., condos or apartments) will have different fire safety requirements. Additionally, Homeowners Associations (HOAs) may have their regulations for if, when, where, and how fire pits can be used.
Gas Fire Pits & Codes
In addition to the general fire codes, gas fire pits, gas fire tables, and gas fire bowls are subject to additional standards for gas system installations and safe operation:
- NFPA 54: National Fuel Gas Code: This code governs the installation of natural gas and propane systems, including fire pits. It covers the installation of gas lines, burner sizes, and ventilation requirements.
- NFPA 58: Liquefied Petroleum Gas Code: This code specifically relates to propane-fueled fire pits and governs the safety aspects, storage, and distribution of propane gas.
- International Fuel Gas Code (IFGC): This code provides detailed standards for installing fuel gas systems, both natural gas and propane, and covers the correct gas line pressure, appliance installation, and testing.
Gas Fire Pit Clearances
This is where the manufacturers do all the heavy lifting, so, provided that national or local codes do not specify greater clearances, you can safely follow the manufacturer’s guidelines.
Clearances are calculated from the BTU rating of the burner which changes with the style, shape, and size of fire pit burners.
An HPC Fire Pit Penta Burner rated up to 200,000 BTUs such as those fitted in a spark ignition fire pit kit requires the following clearances:
- 36″ clearance on all sides from structures or combustibles.
- 12″ clearance from non-combustible materials.
- 84″ overhead clearance from combustibles.
An HPC Fire Pit Penta Burner rated between 201,000 to 400,000 BTUs such as those fitted in the larger HPC Square Electronic Ignition Fire Pit Kits requires:
- 48″ clearance on all sides from structures or combustibles.
- 12″ clearance from non-combustibles.
- 120″ overhead clearance.
The specifications are detailed in the PDF Installation Manual at the bottom of the listing.
Following these clearances is essential not only for safety but also for compliance with insurance and local regulations. Refer to the manufacturer’s installation manual, as deviations can void warranties.
Wood Burning Fire Pits
Wood-burning fire pits are typically governed by local building and fire codes, which vary widely based on location. These codes consider local fire risks, air quality, and environmental conditions. Some jurisdictions may restrict or even ban certain types of portable wood-burning fireplaces or other outdoor wood-burning features entirely due to fire hazards, safety concerns, or air pollution.
Wood Burning Fire Pit Clearances
In general, a recreational fire, as defined in the NFPA 1 Fire Code, should meet the following standards:
- Fuel area: No larger than 3 feet in diameter and no more than 2 feet high.
- Clearance: At least 25 feet (7.6 meters) from any structure or combustible material.
It’s important to note that local regulations can further restrict these sizes or distances based on specific local fire safety concerns. Additionally, it is important to know that local authorities may regulate portable fire pits differently from permanent fire pits.
Always check with your local fire department or building department to ensure compliance with local codes.
Conclusion – “How close can a fire pit be to a house?”
Since the size, containment, fuel type of fire pits, and clearance requirements, vary greatly depending on your location, it’s crucial to consult local fire codes and regulations. These can change based on local risks and concerns for drought conditions, air quality, or environmental hazards. If in doubt, always contact your local fire department or building code enforcement to verify the most up-to-date guidelines for installing and using a fire pit in your area.