Are you allowed to have a fire in your backyard in QLD?

Are you allowed to have a fire in your backyard in QLD? Yes, in most areas, provided the fire stays under 2 metres wide and 2 metres high and your council allows it. Here's how the rules work for fire pits and open fires.

State legislation and local council rules

Queensland sets the statewide baseline and your local council adds its own rules on top. Both need to line up before you light anything. The Queensland Fire Department (fire.qld.gov.au) is the place to check current bans and warnings for your area.

Size restrictions for residential burning

The state rule comes down to fire size. Keep it small and contained and you're generally in the clear. Go bigger and you move into permit territory.

How big can a fire be without a permit?

In Queensland, you don't need a permit for an outdoor fire under 2 metres wide and 2 metres high. Anything larger needs a permit to light fire before you strike a match. A backyard fire pit sits well under that limit, so most home fires never need one.

Navigating your local council by-laws

Councils layer their own local laws on top of the state rules, and they vary. Brisbane City Council allows braziers and fire pits provided the smoke doesn't affect your neighbours. It also bans burning any waste, including green waste.

Other councils set their own conditions. Check yours before you buy or burn, and get the answer in writing if you can.

Smoke nuisance and neighbour complaints

Smoke causes most complaints, and councils act on them. Brisbane asks residents to burn clean, dry, seasoned wood or a smokeless fuel such as charcoal, ethanol or gas. Dry fuel burns hotter and gives off far less smoke than damp or green wood.

If your block is small or your neighbours are close, a low-smoke unit saves a lot of grief. Our guide to the best smokeless fire pits in Australia covers how they work and whether they're worth it.

Setting up a safe and legal outdoor fire

Staying legal mostly comes down to containment, placement and fuel. Get those three right and a backyard fire is a simple pleasure rather than a council complaint.

Choosing a compliant containment system

A proper fire pit or brazier keeps flames and embers contained, which is what councils want to see. Stand it on paving, concrete or a fire mat, never on timber decking or dry lawn. If a deck is your only option, read our guide on putting a fire pit on a deck first.

Supervise every fire until it's completely out. On total fire ban days you can't light a solid fuel fire at all, though gas, LPG and electric appliances are generally still permitted under conditions.

What are the different types of outdoor fire pits?

The main options are steel fire pit bowls, raised braziers, cast iron chimineas, smokeless fire pits and gas fire tables. Wood burners give you the crackle and coals for cooking. Gas and ethanol units light instantly and produce next to no smoke.

Is a chiminea better than a fire pit?

Neither wins outright. A chiminea contains the fire and draws smoke up through its chimney, which suits smaller courtyards. An open fire pit throws heat in every direction and seats a bigger group around it. Choose based on your space and how many people you host.

Suitable firewood and prohibited materials

Burn clean, dry, seasoned wood, or use a smokeless fuel such as charcoal, ethanol or gas. Treated or painted timber, plastic and rubbish are banned as fuel everywhere. In Brisbane you also can't burn any waste at all, green waste included.

Season firewood under cover for at least a summer before burning it. It lights easier, burns cleaner and keeps the neighbours onside.

Recommended fire pits and outdoor heating accessories

A well-made fire pit keeps your backyard fire contained, compliant and comfortable to sit around. Browse the My Acre range of fire pits to find a wood, gas or smokeless option that suits your space. Each one arrives ready for a proper Queensland winter evening.

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• What Is the Best Smokeless Fire Pit? (And Do They Really Work?)
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• Shop all fire pits

Hayden Pearson

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About the author:
“I have a real passion for helping transform outdoor spaces so people can relax, connect and entertain with confidence and pride. With My Acre, I love guiding homeowners to create beautiful and functional outdoor living areas."