Fox River Fire Rings is located in Neenah, WI and we are no strangers to the changing seasons here in the Midwest. When people buy our backyard fire rings, many of them ask — can I use my backyard fire pit all year round? We may be able to help answer your questions and help you enjoy your backyard fire pit all year long without concern.
When and Where Can You Have a Backyard Fire?
We love to spend nights around the fire and fall may be the best time of the year to enjoy a fire with family and friends — but winter is on its way while we enjoy the fall weather. When winter arrives, many of our customers at Fox River Fire Rings want to know if they can still use their backyard fire pit. The short answer — Yes. A backyard fire pit can be used in the winter if you can start and maintain a fire in the cold weather. When you do use your backyard fire pit in the winter, it is important to clean and maintain it properly to prevent excess rust from the moisture. When not in use in the winter months, be sure to cover your fire ring with a reinforced cover to protect it from the elements.
With that said — there are factors that you need to consider when you choose to have a fire, like where you live, local fire pit ordinances, weather conditions, fire permits, and more.
Backyard Fire Pit Laws, Restrictions, and Ordinances to Consider
When you decide to purchase a Fox River Fire Ring and set up a backyard fire pit or entertainment space, there are a lot of factors you need to consider that include laws, restrictions, and ordinances. These factors will depend on where you live and other conditions.
Here is a look at a few questions you need to ask when you consider a backyard fire pit.
What Are the Local Fire Ordinances?
It may not be legal to have a fire in your backyard and it may depend on where you live. Local fire ordinances can vary from county to county, city to city, and state to state, which means you need to pay close attention to the fire ordinances and regulations in your area.
Where Is Your Fire Pit Located?
It is important to look at where your backyard fire pit is located. Is it a safe distance from your house? Most local fire pit ordinances require that a backyard fire pit be 20-30 feet from your home and other structures to prevent any accidental fires.
What Are the Weather Conditions?
Dry and windy weather conditions can be a recipe for disaster if you are not careful with your backyard fire pit. The threat of wildfires means that you need to be careful about when you have a fire and some locations will have fire bans when there are dangerous weather conditions.
What Is a Recreational Fire?
Recreational fires may be regulated and defined in your area and it is important to understand what that means. Recreational fires are typically defined as 3-feet in diameter and 3-feet high with traditional fuel sources, not located in an enclosed space.
Do You Need a Fire Permit for Your Fire Pit?
Maybe the most important question to ask when you decide to build a backyard fire pit is whether or not you need a fire permit. In many cases, fire permits are not needed for open burn fires or recreational fires and are meant primarily for waste disposal fires. Check local ordinances for more information.
READ MORE: Pros and Cons of a Wood Burning Fire Pit
You may be asking — can I use my backyard fire pit all year round? We hope that this overview answers that question and a few more that you may have about when and where you can have a backyard fire pit. Contact Fox River Fire Rings today to learn more about our high-quality fire pits!
