How far should a fire pit be from my house and other structures?

For safety, most guidelines recommend a minimum of 10 feet from your house, sheds, fences, trees, or anything combustible. Some local codes and HOA's may require more distance, so it's best to check local regulations.

What type of surface should a fire pit be placed on?

A fire pit should be placed on a level, stable, and non-combustible surface like stone, brick, concrete pavers, or a fire pit pad. Avoid placing it directly on flammable surfaces like a wooden deck or grass.

Is it safe to have a fire pit under a covered patio or pergola?

It's generally not safe to have a wood-burning fire pit under a covered patio due to the risk of fire and smoke accumulation. Gas fire pits can be used under a pergola if there is proper ventilation and adequate overhead clearance, ensuring the top of the pergola is at least 10 feet away from the flames.

What are some important safety tips to consider when using a fire pit?

Always supervise the fire, keep children and pets at a safe distance (at least 3 feet), and have a fire extinguisher or water source nearby. Avoid using accelerants like gasoline, and never burn trash or flammable materials.

Do I need to check local regulations before installing a fire pit?

Yes, it's essential to check with your city or county's fire department, local zoning office, and homeowner's association for any restrictions, permit requirements, or burn bans. Regulations often address placement guidelines, approved fuel types, and fire pit size.

Fire Pit Placement: Safety & Fun

By Home Sidekick Team May 31, 2025 8 min read 1552 words

fire pitoutdoor designsafetycode compliancebackyardlandscaping

A crackling fire, the scent of woodsmoke, and the company of loved ones – a fire pit can transform any backyard into a cozy haven. But before you start roasting marshmallows, it's crucial to consider fire pit placement with safety and enjoyment in mind. Improper placement can lead to property damage, injuries, and unhappy neighbors. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know to create a safe and fun fire pit experience.

Understanding Local Fire Pit Codes and Regulations

Before you even start thinking about aesthetics, your first step should be to investigate local regulations. Cities, counties, and homeowner's associations often have specific rules regarding fire pit use, and these can vary widely. Ignoring these regulations can result in fines or even the forced removal of your fire pit. Regulations might cover:

Permits: Some areas require permits for permanent fire pits, while others may require inspection.^{[1, 7]}
Distance from structures: Minimum distances from houses, fences, sheds, and property lines are common.^{[1, 2, 3, 4]}
Approved fuel types: Some regulations may restrict the burning of wood, requiring the use of gas or propane instead.^[1]
Burn bans: Many areas have seasonal burn bans or restrictions during periods of high fire risk.^{[3, 16, 26]}
Fire pit size: Some municipalities specify maximum dimensions for fire pits.^{[7, 25]}
Time of day: Some areas have restrictions on the hours during which you can have a fire.^{[6, 16]}

Actionable Advice: Contact your local fire department, city hall, or homeowner's association to obtain information on specific fire pit regulations in your area. Check for any active burn bans before lighting a fire.^[16]

Choosing a Safe Location: Key Distance Considerations

The most important aspect of fire pit placement is ensuring a safe distance from any flammable structures or materials. Here’s a breakdown of the key distance considerations:

Distance from Buildings and Structures

A general recommendation is to place your fire pit at least 10 feet away from your house, garage, shed, or any other building. However, some experts and local regulations suggest a greater distance of 20-25 feet, especially for wood-burning fire pits.^{[1, 3, 10, 18, 20]} The farther away, the better, as this reduces the risk of stray sparks igniting your home or other structures. In Raleigh, North Carolina, the required distance is 25 feet.^[12]

Clearance from Overhanging Objects

Don't forget to look up! Ensure that there are no overhanging branches, power lines, or patio covers above your fire pit. A minimum vertical clearance of 21 feet is generally recommended to prevent these objects from catching fire.^{[2, 10, 11, 18, 20]}

Horizontal Clearance from Flammable Materials

Keep the area surrounding your fire pit clear of flammable materials such as dry grass, leaves, wood piles, fences, and outdoor furniture. A safety zone of at least 7 feet radiating outwards from the fire pit is advisable.^[5] Keep firewood at least 30 feet away from the fire pit and your house.^[3]

Distance from Property Lines

Fire pits should be placed at least 10 feet away from property lines to prevent issues with neighbors.^[4]

Practical Example: Imagine you have a beautiful oak tree in your backyard. While it might seem appealing to place your fire pit beneath its shade, the risk of igniting the branches is too great. Choose a location away from the tree, ensuring both horizontal and vertical clearance.

Surface and Stability: Creating a Fire-Resistant Base

The surface beneath your fire pit is just as important as the surrounding space. Never place a fire pit directly on a flammable surface such as a wooden deck or grass. Instead, create a fire-resistant base using materials like:

Gravel: An inexpensive and effective option.
Stone pavers: Add a touch of elegance to your fire pit area.^[4]
Concrete: A durable and fire-resistant material.^{[2, 5]}
Fire-resistant composite mats: Designed specifically for use under fire pits, offering an extra layer of protection, particularly on decks.^[1]

The base should extend at least 2 feet beyond the fire pit in all directions. Make sure the fire pit is placed on a stable, level surface to prevent it from tipping over.^{[3, 15, 18, 20]}

Tip: If you want to use a fire pit on a wooden deck, you need a fire-resistant pad or heat shield designed for that purpose. Place the fire pit on a stand that comes with it to keep the hot basin off the deck. Also, choose a pedestal style fire pit with legs to keep the hot basin off the deck.^[1]

Considering Wind and Smoke Direction

The direction of the prevailing wind is another important factor to consider when placing your fire pit. Position the fire pit so that the smoke will be carried away from your house, seating areas, and your neighbors' properties. Nobody wants to be downwind of a smoky fire! If your space is particularly breezy, consider a wind guard or decorative privacy screen.^{[5, 11, 14, 18]}

Actionable Advice: Observe the wind patterns in your backyard on several different days before deciding on a final location for your fire pit.

Fire Pit Safety Best Practices: A Checklist for Fun and Worry-Free Nights

Once you've chosen a safe location, it's essential to follow these safety best practices every time you use your fire pit:

Keep a fire extinguisher, bucket of water, or garden hose nearby.^{[3, 6, 9, 15, 21, 25]}
Never leave a fire unattended.^{[3, 8, 9, 19]}
Supervise children and pets closely. Enforce a 3-foot perimeter around the fire pit.^{[1, 3, 6]}
Use a spark screen to contain embers.^{[1, 3, 19]}
Only burn appropriate materials. Use seasoned firewood, manufactured fire logs, or charcoal. Never burn trash, leaves, or treated wood.^{[3, 16]} Soft woods like pine or cedar can pop and throw sparks.^{[8, 9]}
Avoid using flammable liquids such as gasoline or kerosene to start a fire.^{[3, 9]}
Check the weather forecast. Avoid using the fire pit on windy days.^{[1, 3, 9, 18, 21]}
Wear appropriate clothing. Avoid loose-fitting clothing or anything flammable, like nylon.^{[8, 9, 22]}
Be mindful of seating distance. Keep seating at least 3 feet away from the flames, and even further for wood fires.^{[2, 10]}
Extinguish the fire completely before leaving it. Douse the embers with water and stir them until they are cold to the touch.^{[3, 9]}
Clean your fire pit regularly. Remove ashes and debris to prevent buildup.^[22]
Consider hosting substance-free events, or have event monitors to supervise the fire pit.^[9]

Tip: Seasoned hardwoods like hickory are the best wood to burn. The length of the logs should be less than 3/4 of the diameter of the pit.^{[8, 21]}

Aesthetics and Functionality: Creating an Inviting Space

Once you've addressed the safety aspects of fire pit placement, you can focus on creating an aesthetically pleasing and functional outdoor space. Consider these design tips:

Create a focal point. Position the fire pit to balance with other large design elements in your backyard.^{[5, 13]}
Incorporate comfortable seating. Use outdoor furniture, built-in benches, or seat walls to create a cozy gathering area. Some people like to place seat walls four feet away from the fire pit for walking room, while others prefer three feet to prop their feet on the ledge.^[13]
Add lighting. String lights, lanterns, or pathway lights can enhance the ambiance and improve visibility.
Consider a "sunken living room" design. This patio design offers the added benefit of built-in seating.^[13]
Personalize with landscaping. Use plants and flowers to soften the space and add color, but be sure to keep them a safe distance from the fire pit.

Practical Example: A circular seating area with a built-in fire pit is a classic and inviting design. Surround the area with comfortable Adirondack chairs, string up some fairy lights, and you'll have the perfect spot for evening gatherings.

Troubleshooting Common Fire Pit Problems

Even with careful planning, you may encounter some common fire pit problems. Here's how to address them:

Excessive smoke: This could be due to burning wet or unseasoned wood. Make sure you're using dry, seasoned firewood.
Difficulty starting a fire: Use a natural fire starter or kindling to get the fire going. Avoid using flammable liquids.
Sparks and embers: Ensure you're using a spark screen and not overloading the fire pit. Also, avoid burning soft woods like pine.
Uneven burning: Arrange the logs in a teepee or log cabin formation to promote even burning.

Tip: A steel liner keeps excessive heat from absorbing into the surrounding stone, and reflects the heat up and out, adding to the warmth for those around the fire.^[13]

Next Steps: Plan, Prepare, and Enjoy!

Fire pit placement is a critical aspect of creating a safe and enjoyable outdoor living space. By carefully considering local regulations, distance requirements, surface materials, wind direction, and safety best practices, you can minimize risks and maximize the fun. So, do your research, plan your layout, gather your materials, and get ready to enjoy countless cozy nights around your fire pit!

Actionable Steps:

Check your local fire pit codes and regulations.
Sketch out your backyard and identify a safe location for your fire pit, considering distance from structures, overhanging objects, and flammable materials.
Choose a fire-resistant base material and create a level surface for your fire pit.
Gather essential safety equipment, including a fire extinguisher, bucket of water, and spark screen.
Invite your friends and family, and enjoy your new outdoor haven!