Fire Pit Regulations QLD

Fire safety is never something to overlook or underestimate, but does that really apply to fire pits that are outside and smaller than plenty of accidental fires? The answer is yes, because fire is fire, and even the smallest fire pits can create disasters if they’re not looked after properly.

However, that doesn’t mean that you’re not allowed a fire pit in your new home’s garden. It simply means that there are rules we must adhere to, which have been set out by the Queensland Fire Department. Today we’re aiming to answer any and all questions you might have about this, so keep reading to learn more!

What are the regulations for fire pits in QLD?

Queensland allows the use of fire pits in residential areas, as long as the smoke doesn’t impact your neighbours and there’s no risk of fire to others around you or your property. There are several regulations to remember, including:

• Your fire is contained in a fire pit or brazier specifically constructed to prevent fire or burning material from escaping it
• The fire isn’t on the ground or in a used drum
• The fire pit’s design allows a flow of air into the fire from below and the sides, oxygenating the fire and minimising the amount of smoke produced
• The fire needs to be at least 2.5 metres away from other combustible materials or your property boundary
• You cannot have a roof or overhang above your fire
• The fire can’t be placed on a balcony
• You’ll need to use an ashtray with your firepit to prevent hot ashes from coming into contact with the floor
• The fire can only be made of clean, dry, and properly seasoned wood, or smokeless fuel sources like ethanol, charcoal or gas
• Painted wood, plastic, or other rubbish cannot be burned as it might let off hazardous gases and chemicals
• You need a responsible person over the age of 18 to monitor the fire at all times until it’s completely extinguished
• Only one fire pit can be used on a property at any time
• You’re not permitted to leave the fire burning overnight
• You’re not permitted to light a fire during a total fire ban issued by the QFES

Queensland fire safety guidelines

Fire pits are also known as open fires, as they don’t have a chimney or stack containing the fire. This means that the flames can jump and extend out of the pit, letting you enjoy more heat from a larger fire. However, open fires are understandably more dangerous than enclosed ones and, therefore, need strict regulations around them to keep everyone safe.

According to the Queensland Fire Department, there are several guidelines to follow when lighting an open-air fire on your property.

Before lighting the fire

• Make sure you know about any fire bans in your area by visiting the Fire Bans and Restrictions website or calling the Free Call Fire Ban hotline (1800 020 440). If there are any fire bans in your area, you cannot light your fire pit
• Check your local council to see if they’ve placed any local laws that prohibit lighting fire on private property, the positioning of the fire, and specific details as to whether your fire pit would be disallowed or not
• Read up on any smoke nuisance laws and restrictions set in place by your local government area

Positioning the fire pit

• Once you’re sure that you’re allowed to light your fire pit, make sure you position it in a cleared area where there are no overhanging branches, long grass, or scrub
• Keep the fire pit away from structures like fences or sheds, along with gas cylinders, fuel cans, and any flammable equipment you may have

Preparing your fire

• Whenever possible, your fire pit should be lit within the fire pit only, surrounded by large rocks, safely constructed to prevent escaping flames or burning material
• Your fire must remain smaller than two metres in all directions
• If your fire pit is larger than two metres, you may need a fire permit
• Don’t use your fire pit to burn any items, including green waste or rubbish
• Only burn seasoned dry firewood, commercial hot coals, or untreated timber
• Make sure you have enough water nearby to put out the fire before lighting it, ideally having a hose close that you can turn on within a second should anything go wrong

Starting the fire

• Start your fire by using a small ignition source, such as a cigarette lighter or match
• Never use flammable liquids to get the first started, such as petrol or alcohol
• Keep smoke to a minimum as much as possible

Monitoring the fire

• Once your fire is started, never leave it unattended. Someone needs to be with the fire at all times to make sure it doesn’t get too big or to extinguish it properly should it need it
• Never leave children unattended around the fire

Extinguishing the fire

• Once you’re finished with your fire pit, it’s essential that you extinguish it properly with water
• Never use sand or dirt instead of fire, as this will keep the pit hot for longer and could cause serious injuries should someone touch it
• Don’t discard your hot coals in garden beds or anywhere else that could become flammable, as there’s a chance they could catch alight

How do I ensure that my fire pit is compliant?

As a fire owner, it’s essential that you know all of the fire safety rules to keep you and others around you as safe as possible. We highly recommend downloading and maybe even printing out the Open Air Fire Safety Information Sheet to keep safely near your fire pit, so you can always brush up on the rules before lighting it.

Are there any exemptions to the fire pit regulations?

While fire safety is mostly the same for everyone in Queensland, there may be some exemptions under the law of your local government. These may include:

• Fires authorised under the Fire and Emergency Services Act 1990
• Fires used as part of a cultural, ceremonial, or theatrical performance
• Fires that are used to cook food in a barbecue, food smoker, or pizza oven, where the fire isn’t in direct contact with the ground

Fires that are exempt from the fire pit regulations still need to be of a size, duration, or nature that doesn’t present a fire hazard. They also need to comply with the Environmental Protection Act requirements to prevent causing any odour or smoke nuisances.

If you want to use a fire pit larger than two m2, you might need a permit before lighting it. You can get a permit from the Chief Fire Warden in your area, and they’ll only issue one if they agree with your reasoning. Read the Obligations and Responsibilities of Permit Holders before making your decision as to whether you need one or not.

What are the consequences of not following the fire pit regulations?

If you’re caught lighting a fire deemed unsafe or that doesn’t abide by the regulations set out in Queensland, you might be liable for a number of consequences. You could be issued a fine on the spot for lighting an unpermitted fire, along with enforcement notices from the Queensland Fire and Emergency Services.

Smoke can also become a nuisance to your neighbours and damage the environment. The council may choose to issue verbal or written warnings, compliance notices, or even penalties for smoke complaints.

Get free advice on fire pit regulations from an experienced building broker by booking your free, impartial consultation today!