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Circumstances that Prohibit Grills, Fire Pits and Recreational Fires at Condominium and Town-home Communities

Things to think about....


Nashville Fire Department Fire Marshal's Office












Fire Pits and Recreational Fires


Everyone enjoys roasting marshmallows over an open fire in the fall.  The thing to remember is to be safe and follow the rules.  First of all we will define a recreational fire  and then give you some guidelines.


RECREATIONAL FIRE:


An outdoor fire burning materials other than rubbish where the fuel being burned is not contained in an incinerator, outdoor fireplace, barbecue grill or barbecue pit and has a total fuel area of 3 feet or less in diameter and 2 feet or less in height  for pleasure, religious, ceremonial, cooking, warmth or similar purposes.

Recreational fires in an approved container should be not less than 15 feet from any structure.  An example of an approved container would be the commercially produced fire bowl/pits.

Recreational fires placed on the ground should be 25 feet from all structures.


SAFETY:


Recreational fires should constantly be attended and a method of extinguishing the fire should be on site. That could include a garden hose, fire extinguisher, etc.




PROBLEMS: 


Any recreational fire that is offensive or objectionable because of smoke or odor emissions or when the atmospheric conditions or local circumstances make it hazardous are prohibited.


Grills in Multi-Family Dwellings


Charcoal and other open flame cooking devices are not allowed on combustible balconies or within 10 feet of combustible construction unless the building and the deck are protected with an approved automatic fire sprinkler system or if it is a single family home or duplex.

LP gas burners with a gas cylinder larger than 1 lb are also not allowed on combustible balconies or within 10 feet of combustible construction. The exception to this rule is for single family homes and duplexes.