How Far Should a Fire Pit Be From a House
Ever caught yourself thinking, “Is this fire pit too close for comfort?”
Or felt that split-second panic when the flames start dancing a little too high?
You’re not overthinking it—you're just being smart.
Fire pits may bring warmth and ambiance, but they also come with real risks.
In fact, according to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, over 5,300 fire pit or outdoor heater-related injuries landed people in emergency rooms in 2017—nearly triple the number from 2008.
With outdoor fire pits becoming more common these days, experts warn that the risk of related injuries—especially among children—may continue to rise.
That’s a pretty hot reminder that placement matters.
In this article, we’ll break down exactly how far your fire pit should be from your house, share smart safety tips, and give you clear, practical guidelines you can trust. Stick around—we’ll help you create a cozy setup that keeps the fire where it belongs.
Fire Pit Placement: How Far From Your House Is Safe?
Here’s the golden rule: Keep your fire pit at least 10 to 25 feet away from any structure—that includes your house, garage, shed, deck, or even low-hanging tree branches.
According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) and guidelines from local fire departments:
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Minimum Distance: 10 feet from buildings and combustible materials (NFPA).
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Recommended Distance: 15 to 25 feet if space allows for extra safety and airflow (especially when kids and pets are involved)
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Vertical Clearance: Keep at least 21 feet above the fire pit clear of overhanging structures or trees.
Why These Numbers Matter
The distance isn’t just about being cautious—it’s about fire behavior. Embers can travel several feet through the air and ignite nearby structures. Even radiant heat from a well-contained fire can crack siding, damage windows, or warp decking.
Fire Pit Local Laws and Codes: What You Need to Check First
Before you light anything, check your:
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City or County Fire Code – Some municipalities require permits for fire pits or ban open flames altogether.
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HOA Rules – Many homeowner associations have strict guidelines on fire features.
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Zoning Restrictions – Especially in wildfire-prone areas, local ordinances may require greater distance or additional safety measures.
Pro Tip: Call your local fire department or check their website. Many publish fire pit distance rules specific to your area.
Key Factors That Influence Fire Pit Placement
1. Type of Fire Pit
The kind of fire pit you install makes a big difference.
Wood-Burning Fire Pits: Produce sparks, smoke, and embers—which means more risk. These require more clearance: stay 15–25 feet away from any structure, overhang, or anything flammable. You may need spark screens or covers for added protection.
Gas Fire Pits: Can be placed closer—usually 10 feet from structures—depending on the model. They offer cleaner flames with less risk of embers or flare-ups but still need clear overhead space and proper ventilation.
Portable Fire Pits: Should follow the same rules as permanent ones. Don’t let their mobility fool you—they can still start a fire if placed too close to flammable surfaces.
Reminder: Always follow the manufacturer’s guidelines, especially for gas fire pits, as they’re often regulated by building codes or plumbing laws depending on how they're installed.
2. Wind and Weather Conditions
Strong winds can carry embers farther than you’d expect. When choosing a location:
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Place the fire pit in a wind-shielded area if possible.
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Avoid placing fire pits near dry grass or leaf piles.
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Monitor wind direction during use to keep smoke away from windows or seating areas.
Pro Tip: Use wind screens to shield the flame and protect surrounding areas—these can double as design accents when made of tempered glass or steel.
3. Materials Around the Fire Pit
Here’s the thing: even if you’ve nailed the distance, if the fire pit’s sitting on the wrong surface, you're still at risk.
Fire pits should always sit on non-flammable surfaces, such as:
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Concrete patios — won’t catch fire and dissipate heat well
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Brick or stone pavers — look great and stay safe
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Gravel
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Fire pit mats or heat shields — for decks or portable setups
Avoid placing fire pits on:
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Wooden decks (unless you have a fire-resistant protective barrier)
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Grass or dry dirt (too unpredictable)
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Plastic or composite decking (melts, warps, or worse)
Tip for Designers: If you’re working with a client who insists on placing a fire pit on a deck or lawn, recommend using a fire pit pad or suggest converting the area with heat-resistant tiles.
4. Overhead Clearance
Don’t forget to look up because even gas fire pits emit heat upward. Keep at least 10–15 feet of vertical clearance between your fire pit and any overhangs, tree branches or vines, pergolas with fabric or wood slats, or patio awnings, or as much as possible, avoid placing fire features under them.
Designer Note: If shade is necessary, suggest retractable canopies that can be pulled back during fire pit use.
Basic Fire Safety Tips You Shouldn’t Skip
No matter how far your fire pit is from your house, safety should always come first.
1. Never Leave a Fire Pit Unattended
Even if the flames are low or dying out, embers can reignite quickly with the right breeze. Always stay within sight until the fire is completely out.
2. Use a Spark Screen (Especially for Wood Fires)
Spark screens reduce the chance of embers flying out and landing on something flammable. They're inexpensive and effective.
3. Keep a Fire Extinguisher or Hose Nearby
Always be ready to act fast. A garden hose, bucket of sand, or Class B/C extinguisher can be a lifesaver — literally.
When in Doubt, Choose Gas or Electric Fire Pit Over Wood-Burning
Electric or gas fire pits:
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Offer controlled flames
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Are easier to extinguish
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Emit less smoke and fewer embers
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Are often allowed in more restricted areas (check local codes to confirm)
While wood-burning pits offer rustic charm, they carry more risk—especially in tight suburban layouts or dry climates.
A Safe Fire Pit Setup Is Always Worth the Effort
Let’s be real — adding a fire pit to your outdoor setup feels like the perfect finishing touch. It brings people together, sets the mood, and makes your space feel warm in more ways than one. But if it’s placed too close to your home, all that charm can quickly turn into a serious safety hazard.
The good news? You don’t have to guess your way through it. Whether you're designing a cozy nook for clients or just sprucing up your own backyard, knowing how far your fire pit should be from your house is one of those small-but-mighty details that makes everything better — safer, smarter, and more enjoyable.
Here at Patio Pelican, we’re not just about selling outdoor fire pits. We care about helping homeowners or interior designers make solid decisions — the kind that lead to outdoor spaces you can actually use and love. Education is a big part of what we do because we believe everyone deserves to feel confident when it comes to outdoor heating.
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