Fire Department

Check out these important requirements for safe and legal outdoor fires.

If you do not comply with these rules, the fire official can require you to extinguish your fire. You could receive a citation and fine.

Download a copy of these guidelines here.

Chimineas, Portable Outdoor Fireplaces and Portable Outdoor Fire Pits

 Allowed if you follow these rules:

Use the device according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Don’t overload fuel. 
Don’t burn rubbish or yard waste.
Stay with the fire until it is completely out. 
Have a way to put out the fire nearby, such as a garden hose, fire extinguisher with a minimum 4-A rating, or dirt/sand with a way to throw it on the fire. 
The fire must be at least 15 feet away from structures and combustible materials when burning near commercial buildings and apartment buildings with three or more units. For single-family or duplexes, we strongly recommend 15 feet as well.

Recreational Fires (i.e. campfires)

 Allowed if you follow these rules:

The fuel area must be 3 feet or less in diameter and 2 feet or less in height (i.e. no larger than an ordinary campfire.)
Don’t burn rubbish or yard waste.
Keep the fire at least 25 feet away from structures and combustible materials.
Don’t burn in conditions that could cause the fire to spread (such as extremely dry weather or high winds.)
Stay with the fire until it is completely out. 
Have a way to put out the fire nearby, such as a garden hose, fire extinguisher with a minimum 4-A rating or dirt/sand with a way to throw it on the fire. 

Burn Barrels

Allowed if you follow these rules:

Do not burn rubbish or yard waste.  * Note: The burning of wood scraps in a steel drum or barrel at a construction site is allowed for warmth, but not allowed if you are using it to dispose of construction debris.
Keep the fire at least 25 feet away from structures and combustible materials.
Don’t burn in conditions that could cause the fire to spread (such as extremely dry weather or high winds.)
Stay with the fire until it is completely out.
Have a way to put out the fire nearby, such as a garden hose, fire extinguisher with a minimum 4-A rating or dirt/sand with a way to throw it on the fire. 

Bonfires and Open Burning

You may not have outdoor fires greater than 3 feet in diameter or 2 feet in height unless you get a permit from both the Mt. Lebanon Fire Department and the Allegheny County Health Department.