Backyard Firepit Fun – 5 Rules to Follow in Great Falls

Each summertime, millions of marshmallows, graham crackers and chocolate bars get mashed together to form that wonderful concoction called S'mores.  It's a tradition that every parent or grandparent passes on to their children or grandchildren.  Properly roasting a marshmallow to the perfect brown color, or, if you prefer, burning it to a crisp and jamming it in between the crackers.

So, Where Does the Legal Part of This Come in at for S'mores?

Well, that's easy.  The firepit that you are using to roast those marshmallows might not meet code in the city of Great Falls.  According to the City of Great Falls website, our local fire department states:

outdoor fire pits are fraught with dangers, and to ensure the safety of you, your family and your guests, Great Falls Fire Rescue requires the following when it comes to using an outdoor fire pit within the City of Great Falls

Breaking Down the Legal and Illegal of Fire Pits in City Limits

Even though the rules aren't overly strict, we should all strive to comply with them.  Here are 5 of the biggest rules when it comes to having a firepit in the backyard:

1. Portable outdoor fire pits shall be used in accordance with manufactures instructions and shall not be operated within 15 feet of a structure or combustible material.
2. If constructing a fire pit, fire pits shall be constructed of non-combustible materials such as masonry bricks, metal or concrete. Fire pits shall have a non-combustible bottom made of concrete, bricks, or other non-combustible material. The fire pit shall have a fire/fuel area not to exceed 4 feet in diameter. The depth of the fire pit shall be a minimum of four 4 inches and capable of containing all burned materials.
3. Non-portable fire pits shall not be located within 25 feet of a structure or combustible material.
4. All fires shall not exceed 3 feet in diameter and 2 feet in height.
5. Only firewood or charcoal shall be burned.  Construction materials, yard waste, vegetation and garbage CAN NOT be burned.

Is your firepit legal after checking the above rules in our city?  You can find out more at the City of Great Falls website about guidelines and laws that are in effect for the city.

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