Outdoor Recreational Fire Device is defined as: outdoor fireplace, fire pit, fire bowls, fire tables, tabletop fire features or other fire structure device, fire pits, chimineas or other fire structures used for recreational purposes.

Requirements include:

• Professionally constructed of steel, brick or masonry
• Placed on a non-combustible surface
• No closer than 25 feet of any structure, overhang, trees/ vegetation, decking, porch, sheds, fences or adjacent property
• No larger than 3 feet in diameter or 2 feet in height
• Incorporate the use of seasoned wood only (no other combustible materials shall be used)
• Attended/ supervised by the adult property owner or responsible party, at all times
• Protected by a spark screen, at all times, to protect against flying ash, sparks or embers
• Covered at all times, when not in use

General open burning is prohibited by ordinance within the City of Fort Smith. However, the use of outdoor fireplaces, fire pits, chimineas or other fire structures used for recreational purposes is allowed under the following provisions. The use of any fire pit should always be respectful to your neighbors. A fire extinguisher or garden hose should be readily accessible while burning. Fire devices are not to be used between the hours of 1:00 a.m. and 12 Noon.

Any complaints or violations that may occur may be submitted to the Fire Marshal’s office at (479) 783-4052 or the Police Department, where they will be addressed accordingly. If smoke disturbs neighbors, causes property damage, or becomes a nuisance, the fire shall immediately be extinguished. Those using outdoor recreational fire devices may be financially responsible and liable for any damage that is directly or indirectly caused by the use of these devices. Outdoor burning shall be prohibited after a county-released burn ban* has been issued or when wind speeds become greater than 15 miles per hour.

*Sebastian County Ordinance No. 88-13 banning outdoor burning issued by the county judge when conditions are extremely dry. Open burning at this time is considered extremely dangerous to people, buildings, trees, and grasslands. For the health, safety, and welfare of the citizens of the County, all outdoor burning is banned until such time as relief from the hazardous dry weather situation is provided.