By Doug Pierre, Deputy Fire Marshal
Whether it is sitting around a campfire at a campsite or a portable fire pit in your backyard, the first step is enjoying time with family or friends safely. With the gaining popularity of portable outdoor fireplaces and recreational fires increasing in residential neighborhoods, there is a need to look at the International Code Council (ICC) International Fire Code (ICF) 2021 Edition requirements for such concerns associated with outdoor fires. The two types of fires that are a common concern around structures are recreational fires and portable outdoor fireplaces. The IFC defines the two fires as:
- Portable outdoor fireplace: A portable outdoor, solid-fuel-burning fireplace that may be constructed of steel, concrete, clay or other noncombustible material. A portable outdoor fireplace may be open in design, or may be equipped with a small hearth opening and short chimney or chimney opening in the top.
- Recreational fire: An outdoor fire-burning material other than rubbish where the fuel being burned is not contained in an incinerator, outdoor fireplace, portable outdoor fireplace, barbecue grill or barbecue pit and ahs a total fuel area of 3 feet (914 mm) or less in diameter and 2 feet (610 mm) or less in height for pleasure, religious, ceremonial, cooking, warmth or similar purposes.
The IFC provides comprehensive regulations to safeguard life and property from the hazards of fire and explosion. When it comes to outdoor fire pits, these regulations aim to mitigate risks and ensure safe practices. Some of the key guidelines are the location of the fire pit which depends on the type of fire, attendance and extinguishing equipment. The following information is from the 2021 IFC pertaining to portable outdoor fireplaces and recreational fires:
- 307.4.2 Recreational fires: Recreational fires shall not be conducted within 25 feet (7620 mm) of a structure or combustible material. Conditions that could cause a fire to spread within 25 feet (7620 mm) of a structure shall be eliminated prior to ignition.
- 307.4.3 Portable outdoor fireplaces: Portable outdoor fireplaces shall be used in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions and shall not be operated within 15 feet (3048 mm) of a structure of combustible material. With the exception of portable outdoor fireplaces used at one and two-family dwellings.
- 307.5 Attendance: Open burning, bonfires, recreational fire and use of portable outdoor fireplaces shall be constantly attended until the fire is extinguished. Not fewer than 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.
Further information can be found with the U.S. Fire Administration about safety with fire pits, campfires, chimneys and outdoor fireplaces when it comes to one and two-family dwellings. Use chimneys, outdoor fireplaces and fire pits outdoor at least 10 feet away from your home or anything that can burn, according to the USFA.