04 Mar Are Fire Pits Allowed in Tennessee?
A Guide to Fire Pit Laws in Tennessee:
Whether you want a simple, classic fire pit to gather around and roast marshmallows or a chic fire table for drinks and appetisers, it is important to follow proper fire safety. Basking in the warmth of the flames, fire pits add a special ambiance to outdoor spaces. However, it’s essential to understand the rules and regulations governing their use to ensure safety and compliance. Although Solus has over 25 years of experience in the industry, we found it difficult to find any information on Tennessee’s fire pit laws. Therefore, we decided to reach out to the Tennessee State Fire Marshal’s Office directly, so let’s see what they had to say.
According to section 307.4.2 of the Fire Code, Recreational fires can’t be conducted within 25 feet (7620 mm) of a structure or combustible material. Moreover, Conditions which could cause a fire to spread within 25 feet (7620 mm) of a structure shall be eliminated prior to ignition. However this doesn’t apply to portable outdoor fireplaces, otherwise known as fire pits. In which case, they shouldn’t be operated within 15 feet (3048 mm) of a structure or combustible material, which seems slightly more reasonable.
Tavolo Fire Pit
Furthermore, all forms of recreational open burning, such as fire pits must be constantly attended until the fire is extinguished. This is particularly important to consider if you have pets or small children, so keep this in mind before using your fire pit. Additionally, a minimum of one portable fire extinguisher complying with Section 906 with a minimum 4-A rating or other approved on-site fire-extinguishing equipment, such as dirt, sand, water barrel, garden hose or water truck, shall be available for immediate utilization.
In Nashville, their government website states that fire pits should be constructed out of steel, concrete, clay or manufactured non-combustible materials. Additionally, wood burning/solid fuel fire pits are not permitted in multifamily homes such as condos or apartments, only one or two family homes. Multi-family dwellings are still subject to the rules on distance outlined by the Fire Code, however one and two-family dwellings in Nashville are not required to keep a fire pit 15 feet from structures or combustible materials. Nashville.gov does not specify a distance, however it states that fire pits should be kept a “safe distance from the dwelling”. However if you live inn Memphis, the distance guidelines aren’t very specific, stating that fire pits should be 10 to 25 feet away from any structures or combustible materials. Nonetheless, we suggest sticking with the Fire Code guidelines of 15.
Luna 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.
Firetable
In conclusion, if you are in any county in Tennessee, we recommend adhering to the general advice of the Tennessee State Fire Marshal. If in doubt, these guidelines will keep you and your loved ones safe while you enjoy a cozy evening by the fire. However, if you need more specific help with fire pit regulations in your area, we suggest you contact your local fire department, it’s always better safe than sorry!