28 Feb Are Fire Pits Allowed in North Carolina?
A Guide to North Carolina’s Laws on Fire Pits:
As the weather gets warmer and spring rolls around your garden becomes habitable once again! What better a way to enjoy your outdoor space than sharing a few drinks and time with friends and family gathered ’round the fire. However, before you go out and get a brand new fire pit, it is important to know the regulations surrounding fire pits and recreational fires in North Carolina. The rules can vary depending on the city you live in so if you can’t find yours below, check with your local fire department!
City of Winston-Salem:
The City of Winston-Salem website offers comprehensive information on outdoor burning, fire pits, and recreational fires. Their guidelines emphasize safety and environmental considerations, including restrictions on burning certain materials and requirements for maintaining a safe distance from structures and property lines. Additionally, they state that all recreational or cooking fires must be confined to a container (such as a fire pit) that is no more than 3 feet in diameter and 2 feet in height. Moreover, wood burning fires may be prohibited during hazardous weather conditions or if they are dangerous or a nuisance to those around you. However, this means that “smoke-less” fires such as natural gas, liquid propane or bio ethanol are generally still permitted.
City of Raleigh:
In Raleigh, fire pit regulations are similar to that of Winston-Salem and are designed to protect public safety and prevent the spread of fires. It is therefore illegal to conduct open burning within the city limits (e.g. waste burning or bonfires), except if it is a cooking fire or small recreational fire contained in an outdoor fireplace or pit. These fires must be no larger than 3 feet in diameter or 2 feet in height. Furthermore, a method of extinguishment must be readily available such as a garden hose or fire extinguisher and all fires should be constantly supervised.
City of Charlotte:
Charlotte Fire Department provides detailed requirements for recreational fires, outlining specific guidelines for fire pit construction, fuel types, and safety measures. For instance, all dry leaves and other combustibles should be cleared from the area surrounding the fire pit before use and the fire should be constantly attended during use. Similarly to Raleigh and Winston-Salem, the size of the fire is restricted, however Charlotte’s guidelines are more specific, stating that the fuel area itself should be no more than 3 feet in diameter and 2 feet in height, meaning that the fire pit container itself is unrestricted. This would limit the size of a wood burning appliance, however with a gas burner, it would provide the potential for a larger fire pit.
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.
As you plan your outdoor fire pit gatherings in North Carolina, it’s essential to familiarize yourself with these regulations to ensure compliance and safety. By following these guidelines, you can enjoy the warmth and ambiance of a fire pit while minimizing risks to yourself, your property, and the environment. Remember, always check with your local authorities and refer to the relevant regulations for the most up-to-date information on fire pit rules and regulations in your area.
