St Louis, MO: Fire Pit Laws & Safety Guidelines

by Webster Jorgensen
St Louis, MO: Fire Pit Laws & Safety Guidelines

Recreational fires are permitted in the City of St. Louis under specific conditions, but the city maintains stricter controls than many surrounding suburbs. Rules are enforced by the St. Louis Fire Department (SLFD) and city ordinances related to open burning and nuisance smoke.

This guide summarizes the key requirements homeowners should understand before installing or using a fire pit within St. Louis city limits.

At-A-Glance Summary

  • Place fire pits at least 12 feet from all structures
  • Burn only clean, dry firewood and approved fuels
  • Avoid burning in high wind or inclement weather
  • Keep safety equipment nearby before lighting
  • Never leave a fire unattended
  • Fully extinguish the fire within 4 hours and before 11:00 p.m.

Are Fire Pits Legal in St. Louis?

Yes. Fire pits are legal when they qualify as recreational fires under city law. A recreational fire is defined as an outdoor fire used for pleasure, cooking, warmth, religious, ceremonial, or similar purposes — provided the fire meets all containment, size, and safety rules in the city’s ordinance. 

Recreational fires do not include open burning of trash, yard waste, construction debris, or other prohibited materials.

Source: St Louis, MO Ordinance 71260

Fire Pit Size & Fuel Requirements

To be considered a recreational fire in St. Louis City, the fire must have:

  • A total fuel area no more than 30 inches in diameter, and
  • A maximum height of 18 inches. 

Approved fuels include:

  • Clean firewood
  • Manufactured fire logs
  • Untreated lumber

The ordinance specifically excludes fires burning:

  • Leaves, grass, paper, rubbish, or trash
  • Treated or painted wood
  • Large logs over 4 inches in diameter
  • Building materials or other prohibited refuse

Source: St Louis, MO Ordinance 71260

Placement & Distance Rules

St. Louis City requires proper spacing between a recreational fire and nearby structures:

  • Recreational fires must be located at least 12 feet from any structure, including fences, decks, or overhangs. This minimum distance was updated from 25 feet to 12 feet by Ordinance 71260 effective January 18 2021. 

Any conditions that would allow a fire to spread within 12 feet of a structure must be eliminated before ignition. 

Supervision & Fire Control

A responsible person must continuously attend the fire until it is completely extinguished.

Before lighting a fire, make sure you have means to put it out quickly:

  • A garden hose

  • A bucket of water

  • A fire extinguisher or sand bucket

These must be readily available and within 15 feet of the fuel area at all times.

Time & Extinguishment Limits

St. Louis City ordinances require that a recreational fire:

  • Be extinguished within 4 hours of ignition, and

  • Not be allowed to burn later than 11:00 p.m. 

This helps reduce overnight smoke and nuisance issues.

Source: St Louis, MO Ordinance 71260

Smoke & Nuisance Rules

Even if a fire meets all size and placement requirements, it may not produce offensive smoke or odors that linger or affect neighboring properties. Fires generating excessive smoke are prohibited. 

Wind & Weather Restrictions

Recreational fires are not permitted if the wind exceeds 15 miles per hour. This reduces the risk of sparks and embers spreading into hazards.

Health & Safety Authority

St. Louis health and public safety officials have broad authority to:

  • Prohibit recreational fires
  • Suspend or further restrict them
  • Order their extinguishment

if weather, air quality, or hazard conditions warrant such action.

Penalties

Violating the recreational fire ordinance can result in:

  • Fines of $100 to $500,
  • Up to 90 days in jail, or
  • Both — depending on the severity of the violation.

Sources

St. Louis City Ordinance 70932 — Recreational Fire Definition & Rules 

St. Louis City Ordinance 71260 — Recreational Fire Location Amendment

by Webster Jorgensen