Overland Park, KS: Fire Pit Laws & Safety Guidelines

by Webster Jorgensen
Overland Park, KS: Fire Pit Laws & Safety Guidelines

Recreational fires are permitted in Overland Park, but residents must follow specific size, location, and supervision rules established by the Overland Park Fire Department (OPFD) and Johnson County regulations. This guide summarizes the key requirements and includes direct quotations from official sources to ensure accuracy.

Are Fire Pits Legal in Overland Park? 

Yes. Recreational fires are allowed as long as they meet OPFD guidelines. According to the Overland Park Fire Department:

“Recreational fires shall not exceed three (3) feet in diameter and two (2) feet in height.”

OPFD classifies a recreational fire as a small, controlled outdoor fire used for pleasure, cooking, or warmth—not open burning.

Fire Pit Size & Containment Requirements

To qualify as a recreational fire in Overland Park, the fire must be kept small, controlled, and placed inside a proper container. OPFD defines clear limits on both the size of the fire and the type of structure that may be used to contain it.

According to the Overland Park Fire Department:

“Recreational fires shall not exceed three (3) feet in diameter and two (2) feet in height.”

For containment, OPFD specifies that:

“Fires must be contained in an approved outdoor fireplace, chiminea, fire pit, or similar device designed for recreational use.”

In practical terms, a compliant fire must be:

  • Placed in a non-combustible container or outdoor fire pit

  • No wider than 3 feet

  • No taller than 2 feet

Most commercially manufactured fire pits satisfy these requirements, though homemade or improvised pits must meet the same standards.

    Distance Requirements

    OPFD requires adequate clearance from homes, buildings, trees, and combustible materials. The department states:

    "OPFD requires recreational fires to be placed at least 15 feet from structures or combustible materials, per the city’s Recreational Fire Guidelines."

    This 15-foot buffer applies to:

    • Houses
    • Deck railings
    • Fences
    • Sheds
    • Overhanging branches

    Supervision & Extinguishing Rules

    Overland Park requires that all recreational fires remain under continuous supervision. The fire department emphasizes that a responsible adult must be present at all times:

    “A recreational fire shall be constantly attended until the fire is extinguished.”

    In addition to supervision, homeowners must keep firefighting tools within immediate reach. OPFD notes:

    “Approved fire extinguishing equipment shall be available for immediate use.”

    Acceptable extinguishing methods include:

    • A garden hose

    • A fire extinguisher

    • A bucket of water or sand

    The intent of these rules is simple: a recreational fire should never be left unattended, even for a moment, and the means to extinguish it should always be ready in case of changing conditions or drifting embers.

    Wind, Weather, and Burn Ban Restrictions

    Overland Park follows Johnson County’s outdoor burning restrictions.

    OPFD notes:

    “Recreational fires are prohibited during Red Flag Warnings, burn bans, or high-wind conditions.”

    If winds exceed ~15 mph, OPFD recommends postponing fires for safety.

    Residents should check:

    • National Weather Service Red Flag Warnings
    • Johnson County Fire District announcements

    Fuel Restrictions

    Acceptable fuels include:

    • Clean, dry firewood
    • Manufactured logs
    • Untreated lumber

    OPFD specifically prohibits burning yard waste or construction debris:

    “The burning of leaves, grass, trash, or yard waste is not permitted.”

    When Permits Are Required

    Standard recreational fires do not require a permit if they meet OPFD size and clearance requirements.

    Larger fires or open burning may require approval. OPFD clarifies:

    “Permits are required for fires that do not meet the definition of a recreational fire.”

    This includes:

    • Large bonfires
    • Fires exceeding the 3 ft × 2 ft limit
    • Burning brush or debris

    Penalties & Enforcement

    If OPFD determines a fire is unsafe, causing a nuisance, or violating local rules:

    “The fire department is authorized to order the extinguishment of any recreational fire which creates or adds to a hazardous situation.”

    Repeated violations may result in citations or fines.


    Best Practices for Safe Backyard Burning

    • Maintain a 15-foot clearance in all directions
    • Avoid lighting fires in winds above 10–15 mph
    • Use a spark screen to prevent embers
    • Keep a water source nearby
    • Never leave the fire unattended
    • Ensure the fire is fully extinguished before going inside

    Safer Alternatives

    Residents who cannot meet the 15-foot clearance requirement or simply want cleaner operation may consider:

    • CSA-certified gas fire pits
    • Smokeless fire pits
    • Propane fire bowls

    These options reduce smoke, sparks, and neighborhood complaints.

    Sources

    Overland Park Fire Department — “Recreational Fires & Outdoor Burning Guidelines.”

    Johnson County Emergency Management — Outdoor Burning Restrictions.

    National Weather Service — Red Flag Warnings for Johnson County.

    by Webster Jorgensen