Last reviewed: 1 August 2026 by the Ozbuyz Store Editorial Team.
Quick answer: Before buying a fire pit, check your state fire authority, local council, current total-fire-ban or no-burn notices, lease and strata rules. Then choose a product whose fuel, surface, clearances and supervision requirements suit the actual site. There is no single national backyard-fire rule or universal clearance distance.
Check whether use is permitted
Rules can change by state, council, season, fire-danger period, fuel type and property. A fire pit that is normally allowed may be prohibited during a total fire ban or local no-burn notice. Check again on the day of use rather than relying on an old article or neighbour’s practice.
- Check the current state or territory fire-authority restrictions.
- Search the local council’s open-burning, smoke and backyard-fire rules.
- Confirm lease, strata, community-title and property-insurance restrictions.
- Read the product’s fuel and placement instructions.
In NSW, for example, the EPA generally treats properly used outdoor fire pits as similar to barbecues, but only approved fuels may be burned and council or fire-ban restrictions still apply. Other jurisdictions may differ.
Choose the fuel type
| Type | Advantages | Important checks |
|---|---|---|
| Wood-burning | Visible flame and traditional fire experience | Smoke rules, approved dry fuel, sparks, ash, extinguishing and current bans |
| Charcoal or solid fuel | Steady heat and possible cooking use where approved | Carbon monoxide, hot coals, approved fuel, disposal and ban conditions |
| LPG or natural gas | Controlled ignition and no wood smoke | Certified appliance, hose and regulator condition, cylinder placement, ventilation and gas restrictions |
Never use petrol, methylated spirits or another unapproved accelerant. Never burn treated or painted timber, plastics, household rubbish or green garden waste. Use only the fuels allowed by the appliance and local law.
Assess the site
Follow whichever requirement is greater: the manufacturer’s clearance, the local rule or the fire authority’s direction. Do not apply a generic two- or three-metre rule to every product and property.
- Use the stable, non-combustible surface specified by the manufacturer.
- Remove dry grass, leaves, mulch, furniture, umbrellas and other combustibles from the required area.
- Check overhead branches, eaves, pergolas, shade sails and powerlines.
- Consider wind direction and smoke entering neighbouring homes.
- Keep the fire away from gas cylinders, fuel, vehicles and escape routes.
- Do not place a fire pit on a timber or composite deck unless the appliance, deck system, local rules and manufacturer explicitly permit the complete setup.
Size and design
Choose by the available safe area, intended fuel, number of people, heat output, mobility and maintenance—not an arbitrary bowl diameter. Check total assembled dimensions, weight, guards, spark screen, drainage, ash removal, cooking accessories and whether replacement parts are available.
Before lighting
- Check current fire-danger, total-fire-ban and no-burn information.
- Read the lighting and extinguishing procedure.
- Have an appropriate extinguishing method immediately available.
- Keep children and pets outside the required exclusion zone.
- Place seating beyond the manufacturer’s heat and spark clearance.
- Do not use the appliance in an enclosed or poorly ventilated area.
During and after use
A responsible adult should remain present until the fire and embers are fully extinguished and the unit is safe. Do not leave hot coals unattended or dispose of them in a combustible bin. Follow the instructions for water, sand, lids or other extinguishing methods because sudden water can damage some hot materials.
Compare current products in fire pits and compatible items in fire-pit accessories.
Frequently asked questions
Are backyard fire pits legal across Australia?
There is no single national answer. State fire rules, council rules, seasonal restrictions and property conditions all apply.
Can I use a fire pit during a total fire ban?
Do not assume any exemption. Check the current state fire-authority rules for the exact appliance and fuel. If the use is not clearly permitted, do not light it.
How far must a fire pit be from a fence?
Use the greatest clearance required by the manufacturer, council and fire authority. A generic online distance cannot replace the site-specific rule.
Can a fire pit sit on a timber deck?
Only where every applicable instruction and rule explicitly allows the complete setup. A loose heat mat does not automatically make a solid-fuel fire safe on combustible decking.
What should never be burned?
Do not burn rubbish, plastics, painted or treated timber, wet or green waste, or any fuel the appliance or local authority prohibits.
Research and review method
This guide uses current NSW EPA and NSW Rural Fire Service information as worked Australian examples while clearly directing readers to their own jurisdiction. Local law and current fire-authority notices take priority.