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Can I have a fire pit in my backyard in Canberra?
Can I have a fire pit in my backyard in Canberra? Yes, you can. Gas and electric fire pits need no permit in the ACT, and a wood fire is fine in a brazier with 3 metres cleared. Here's what the rules cover.
ACT Regulations for Residential Open Flames
The ACT Emergency Services Agency (ESA) sets the rules for backyard fires in Canberra. Most fire pits are allowed, as long as they're used for warmth or cooking rather than burning off.
Burning garden waste or other rubbish is prohibited in urban areas. Under the ESA's own guidance it is an offence under the Environment Protection Regulation 2005 to burn garden waste or other waste without an environmental authorisation on land within the built-up area of the ACT. Bonfires are restricted too, and only allowed on the weekends either side of the June public holiday.
Permitted Uses in Built-Up Areas
Gas and electric fire appliances can be used on residential land without a permit. That covers gas fire pits, fire tables and electric heaters.
Wood fires have stricter rules. In a built-up area, an open fire must be contained in a brazier or properly constructed fireplace, with 3 metres cleared around it.
Keep smoke in mind as well. Your fire shouldn't send smoke drifting into neighbouring homes, so check the wind before you light up.
Total Fire Bans and Bushfire Season Rules
On a total fire ban day, you cannot light a solid fuel fire. That includes wood fire pits, braziers and chimineas. The ESA is explicit that wood, charcoal or spirit burning barbecues may not be used during a total fire ban either.
Gas, LPG and electric appliances are generally still permitted under conditions. Check the ACT Emergency Services Agency fire permits page for the current rules before lighting anything during bushfire season.
Minimising Smoke Nuisance and Fire Risks
Most fire pit trouble in the suburbs comes down to two things: smoke annoying the neighbours and embers getting away. Both are easy to avoid with a bit of care.
Dry Wood and Air Quality Requirements
Burn dry, seasoned wood only. Treated or painted timber, plastic and rubbish are banned as fuel, and damp wood produces thick smoke that hangs around.
If smoke keeps causing grief in your street, a smokeless fire pit is worth a look. They burn hotter and cleaner than an open bowl.
Location Constraints and Safety Distances
Stand your fire pit on paving, concrete or a fire mat. Never sit it on timber decking or dry lawn.
Keep the area around the fire clear, and keep a hose or bucket of water within reach. A responsible adult should supervise the fire until it's completely out, because embers stay hot long after the flames die down.
How big can a fire be without a permit?
For a backyard fire in Canberra, the practical limit is the container. Your fire needs to sit within a brazier or properly constructed fireplace, with 3 metres of clear space around it.
Anything bigger, like a bonfire, is restricted to the weekends either side of the June public holiday. If you're planning something larger than a normal fire pit, check with the ESA first and get the answer in writing.
Where to check the current ACT rules
Total fire ban declarations and bushfire season dates change through the year, and the ACT government sets them, not us. Before you light anything, check the ACT Emergency Services Agency fire permits page, which carries the open air fire matrix showing what is allowed inside and outside the built-up area.
This article is general guidance on choosing and placing a fire pit, not legal advice. Where a decision turns on whether a fire is permitted on a given day, the ESA is the authority, not a retailer. Ring Hayden on 1300 515 620 if you want help choosing a pit that suits the restrictions where you live.
Buying the Perfect Fire Pit for Your Home
Once you know the rules, the fun part is picking the right unit. Browse the My Acre range of fire pits to compare wood, gas and smokeless designs suited to Canberra backyards. Each style below is fine to run in the ACT outside a total fire ban.
Exploring Popular Outdoor Heating Styles
Canberra winters are cold and still, which suits almost any outdoor heater. Wood fire pits give you crackle and coals for a proper campfire feel.
Gas fire tables light instantly and make no smoke. Under current ACT rules they can generally keep running on total fire ban days, subject to conditions.
What are the different types of outdoor fire pits?
The main types are open bowls and braziers, double-walled smokeless fire pits, cast iron chimineas, and gas fire tables. Portable models are handy if you want to move the fire around the yard or take it camping.
Not sure whether a table or a pit suits your space? See our guide to the difference between a fire pit and a fire table.
Is a chiminea better than a fire pit?
It depends on your space. A chiminea holds a smaller fire, and its chimney draws smoke up and away, so it suits courtyards and tight corners.
An open fire pit throws heat in every direction and seats a bigger group. That makes it the better pick for entertaining on a larger block.
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