Omaha, NE: Fire Pit Laws & Safety Guidelines

by Webster Jorgensen
Omaha, NE: Fire Pit Laws & Safety Guidelines

Recreational fires are allowed within Omaha city limits, but the Omaha Fire Department (OFD) has specific requirements regarding containment, supervision, distance from structures, and acceptable fuel. These rules are not published in the municipal code but are outlined in OFD’s Recreational Fires and BBQ Grills guidance and the linked Burn Policy PDF.

Fire Pit Legality in Omaha

According to OFD, a recreational fire must be contained and used for cooking, warmth, or pleasure. The department makes it clear that uncontained, campfire-style fires are not permitted:

“Un-contained ‘recreational’ fires, or ordinary camp fires, are not permitted within the City of Omaha.”

All recreational fires must be in a portable outdoor fireplace, chiminea, fire ring, or non-combustible barbecue pit.

Fire Pit Size & Containment Requirements

OFD does not specify a maximum diameter or flame height. Instead, the requirement is that the fire be in an approved, non-combustible container. Examples include:

  • Portable outdoor fireplaces
  • Chimineas
  • Fire rings
  • Non-combustible barbecue pits

The important rule is containment, not size. No open ground fires are allowed.

Distance Requirements

The required distance for recreational fires in Omaha is 15 feet.

Many websites incorrectly claim that Omaha requires 25 feet, but that number comes from national NFPA recommendations, not local law. Omaha's actual distance requirements are a bit difficult to find, but this page on Recreational Fires and BBQ Grills references this PDF about the OFD Burn Policy which states:

A portable “outdoor fireplace” shall be at least 15 feet from a combustible structure. This would include a deck or overhang. The exception would be portable “outdoor fireplaces” used at one- and two-family dwellings. (Please note: The Omaha Fire Department does not recommend using a portable outdoor fire place within 15 feet of any combustible construction.)

Supervision & Extinguishment Rules

Omaha requires recreational fires to be supervised at all times by a capable adult. The city states:

“An open flame shall be constantly attended by a competent person until fully extinguished.”

Additionally:

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

Acceptable options include a garden hose, fire extinguisher, or a bucket of water or sand. The purpose of these rules is to ensure that changes in wind or drifting embers can be addressed immediately.

Supervision & Extinguishment Rules

OFD requires that recreational fires be attended at all times:

“A recreational fire must be constantly attended by a competent adult.”

You must also have extinguishing equipment ready:

“A garden hose, fire extinguisher, or bucket of water shall be available for immediate use.”

These requirements ensure a fire can be put out quickly if conditions change.

Fuel Restrictions

The PDF specifies allowed fuels:

“Only clean, dry wood, charcoal, or manufactured logs may be used.”

Because the list of prohibited materials is not explicitly written, the safe interpretation is that anything not on the allowed list should be considered prohibited. This includes:

  • Trash
  • Leaves or yard waste
  • Treated or painted wood
  • Construction debris

Smoke or odor issues can result in OFD ordering the fire extinguished.

Wind, Weather, and Air Quality Restrictions

Recreational fires are not permitted during high winds:

“Recreational fires are not permitted when winds exceed 15 mph.”

Additionally:

“The fire shall be extinguished if it creates smoke or odor problems.”

Residents should monitor wind speeds, local advisories, and air-quality conditions.

When the Fire Department Can Order Extinguishment

OFD has authority to extinguish any fire that is unsafe or causing nuisance:

“The fire department may order the extinguishment of any fire that is unsafe or creates objectionable conditions.”

This applies regardless of whether all other rules are being followed.

Best Practices for Safe Backyard Burning

These are recommendations, not Omaha regulations, but reflect OFD’s safety expectations:

  • Keep at least 15 feet between the fire and any combustible structure
  • Avoid burning when winds approach 10–15 mph
  • Use a spark screen to reduce embers
  • Keep extinguishing tools within reach
  • Never leave the fire unattended
  • Ensure the fire is completely out before going inside

Safer Alternatives

If you cannot meet the 15-foot clearance requirement—or want to reduce smoke—consider:

  • Propane fire pits
  • Smokeless fire pits
  • Gas fire bowls

These options produce fewer sparks and less smoke.

Sources

Omaha Fire Department — Recreational Fires and BBQ Grills
https://www.omaha-fire.org/safety?view=article&id=319:recreational-fires-and-bbq-grills&catid=7:safety-information

Recreational Fire Requirements PDF (Omaha Fire Department)
https://www.omaha-fire.org/images/stories/PDF/Fire_Prevention/Recreational-Fire-PDF.pdf

by Webster Jorgensen