Outdoor Fire Pit City Regulations

The Laurelhurst Blog received this email from a neighbor:

We live north of the park and a neighbor has an outdoor fire pit. One night, the fire pit was burning and the smoke was very thick, and lingered around our home and others for hours. What is the Seattle code for use of personal fire pits?

Here is information from Seattle Fire Department:

Outdoor Fire Regulations  

Fire Department permits are not required for use of portable outdoor fireplaces, recreational fires and cooking fires unless they exceed three feet in diameter and two feet in height. Fires larger than three feet by two feet require a permit from both the Puget Sound Clean Air Agency and the Seattle Fire Department. 

Air Quality Regulations
When air quality conditions are poor, the Puget Sound Clean Air Agency may enact a ban on both indoor and outdoor burning. To determine if an air quality burn ban is in effect, call 1-800-595-4341, or visit their web site at www.pscleanair.org.

Requirements for Recreational Fires (Seattle Fire Code)
Recreational fires are those for cooking, pleasure, religious, ceremonial or similar purposes where the fire is not contained in an outdoor fireplace, grill or barbecue pit.

Recreational fires are allowed only if all of the following conditions are met: 1. No air quality burn ban is in effect. 2. The fire is not more than three feet in diameter and two feet in height. 3. The fire is located at least 25 feet from any structure or combustible material. Conditions which could cause a fire to spread shall be eliminated prior to ignition. 4. Trash, yard waste, rubbish, or paper products are not being burned. 5. Fire extinguishing equipment is readily available for use. This should include a shovel and two buckets of water, or a charged garden hose or fire extinguisher with a 4-A rating. 6. The fire is continually attended by an adult until it is completely extinguished. 7. The fire is not being conducted on public property where fires are prohibited, such as in a park or on school grounds. Fires in parks are only allowed where specifically authorized, and where appropriate burning receptacles are provided. 

Use of Portable Outdoor Fireplaces 

A patio fireplace is one that is designed to function as a masonry or factory-built fireplace, except that they are portable, outdoor, solid-fuel burning fireplaces. They may be constructed of steel, concrete or clay and may or may not be equipped with a short chimney. Use of patio fireplaces is allowed if the following conditions are met: 1. No air quality burn ban is in effect. 2. The patio fireplace is not placed on a deck or balcony and is not located within 15 feet of a structure or combustible material or vegetation. Use of patio fireplaces at single family homes and duplexes are exempt from this requirement. 3. Trash, yard waste, rubbish, or paper products are not being burned. 4. Fire extinguishing equipment is readily available for use. This should include a shovel and two buckets of water, or a a charged garden hose or fire extinguisher with a 4-A rating is present. 5. The fire is not being conducted on public property where fires are prohibited, such as in a park or on school grounds. Fires in parks are only allowed where specifically authorized, and where appropriate burning receptacles are provided. 

For more information go here.