Backyard charcoal grills, chimineas, fire pits, and patio heaters are allowed within the City of Bismarck, with limitations.  If the smoke or odor from a recreational fire becomes offensive or objectionable, the Bismarck Fire Department has the authority to order the fire to be put out. 

These types of devices should be operated in the following manner:

• Be aware of wind speed and weather conditions before lighting a fire.
• Don’t use flammable liquids (gasoline, lighter fluid, etc.) to light or relight fires.
• Do not exceed a total fuel area of three (3) feet or less in diameter and two (2) feet or less in fuel height.
• Keep the device at least 15 feet from any combustibles.
• Do not be place on wood decks, or in enclosed patio decks, or under overhangs.
• Do not burn garbage, leaves, rubbish, or rotten wood that will smoke. Avoid soft woods like pine or cedar that “pop” or throw sparks.
• Use a spark arrestor screen, if provided with the unit, to control sparks and embers.
• Keep children and pets at least 3 feet away.
• Have a fire safety plan.
• Keep a fire extinguisher, water hose, or bucket of sand nearby.
• Do NOT leave a fire unattended!
• Make sure that the fire is out before you leave after you have finished enjoying its use.
• Never discard ashes into a combustible container or garbage receptacle. Place ashes in a metal container first and wet them thoroughly with water.

Permanent backyard fire pit guidance

• Fire pits built as a structure and part of the permanent landscape design, should not exceed 36 inches in diameter.
• The fire pit should be lined with fire brick to protect the masonry from cracking and possibly fragmenting from rapid expansion of moisture in the masonry.
• A spark arrestor screen should be used if provided with the unit.

City Ordinance 8-07-04. 10. - Click on 08-07-04. 10. when ordinance opens.
Bismarck Fire Code

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Portable Fireplace Safety Video