Buying a Backyard Fire Pit? Here’s What to Consider

By the Mercury Team

If you’re looking for something to spice up your backyard festivities, you can’t go wrong with a fire pit. When the sun sets, nothing is better than roasting marshmallows over an open flame alongside the people you love most.

But fire pits also come with important safety rules and homeowners insurance considerations. From where you place it to how you use it, taking the right precautions can protect your home, your guests, and your peace of mind. Mercury Insurance is here to guide you through the essentials so you can enjoy your fire pit safely.

What Types of Fire Pits Are Available?

Fire pits come in all shapes, sizes, and fuel types, so it helps to know your options before you buy or build one. The right choice depends on your space, your budget, and how you want to enjoy those cozy nights outdoors. Here are some of the most popular styles:

Wood-Burning Fire Pits

If you love the crackle of real logs and the smoky aroma of a campfire, a wood-burning fire pit is the way to go. They put out a lot of heat and create that classic, backyard-camping vibe. The trade-off is that they need more upkeep. You’ll have ash to clean up, and many communities have rules or burn bans that limit when you can use them.

Gas Fire Pits (Propane or Natural Gas)

Gas fire pits are all about convenience. With the push of a button, you’ve got an instant flame, which means no hauling wood or waiting for kindling to catch. Propane versions are portable, while natural gas fire pits hook into your home’s gas line for a permanent setup. They burn clean with little to no smoke, but usually cost more to install than wood-burning pits.

Gel or Ethanol Fire Pits

These smaller fire pits burn a special clean fuel (usually gel or liquid ethanol) that doesn’t produce much smoke or ash. They’re a great option if you want something decorative, like a tabletop fire feature, or if you’re limited on space. But be aware that they don’t generate as much heat as wood or gas models.

In-Ground Fire Pits

For a true backyard centerpiece, an in-ground or built-in fire pit might be the right fit. These permanent fixtures are usually made of stone, brick, or concrete, and you can customize them to match your landscaping. They’re sturdy and stylish, but you’ll need to commit to one location since they’re not portable.

Portable Fire Pits and Fire Bowls

If you like flexibility, a portable fire pit is a solid choice. Fire bowls (usually metal) and freestanding fire pits can be moved around your yard or even packed up for camping trips. They’re easier to set up than a permanent option, but they may not last as long.

Fire Pit Tables and Chimineas

For a modern twist, a fire pit table combines a flame with surface space for food or drinks, making it great for entertaining. Chimineas, on the other hand, are the tall, vase-shaped fireplaces you may have seen on rustic patios. Both add style while keeping flames a little more contained.

Where Should You Place a Fire Pit Safely?

Choosing the right spot for your fire pit is just as important as choosing the pit itself. Here are a few fire pit safety tips to keep in mind:

• Set your fire pit at least 10 feet away from your house, garage, shed, or fence. If you have the space, even more distance (up to 20–25 feet) is better. This buffer can help prevent home fires by keeping sparks and heat from reaching anything flammable.
• Fire pits should never go under low-hanging branches, awnings, or patio covers. Overhead obstructions can trap heat or catch stray embers. It’s also smart to keep the pit away from wooden fences, dry shrubs, or anything else that could ignite quickly.
• Place your pit on a fire-resistant surface, like stone, concrete, pavers, or gravel. If you really want a fire pit on your deck, make sure to use a heat-resistant barrier or fire pit pad for extra protection.
• Don’t put your fire pit too close to your property line. The minimum distance between the fire and property line varies from county to county, so be sure to check your local guidelines.

What Safety Precautions Should You Follow?

Residential fire pits are legal as long as you follow your county’s laws and regulations. Local authorities put these rules in place to ensure the safety of your home, family, neighbors, and community. If you don’t comply with local fire pit safety rules, you can receive fines and penalties. Plus, if you’re not careful with your fire pit, a small spark could quickly start a wildfire.

Regulations on fire pits can be strict, especially in areas susceptible to wildfires or air pollution. During times of drought or poor air quality, local authorities can issue burn bans to prevent wildfires and air pollution. Also, many areas require a burn permit for any outdoor burning. Be sure to check your county’s fire pit rules online or call your local fire department for information.

Regardless of where you live, you’ll most likely see these common fire pit regulations:

• Avoid placing your fire pit on uneven ground.
• A fire must be attended to and supervised by an adult at all times.
• Don’t light a fire with wind conditions over 15 miles per hour.
• Fires should be no taller or wider than three feet. The higher the fire, the more likely it is to spread.
• Keep children and pets at least three feet away from the fire.
• Keep a water source or extinguisher nearby.

Does a Fire Pit Affect Your Home Insurance?

A backyard fire pit can be the perfect addition for family nights or entertaining friends. But because it involves open flames, it may also have an impact on your homeowners insurance. Here’s what to keep in mind:

Some Insurers May Have Restrictions

Not every insurance company treats fire pits the same. Some may consider them a higher risk, especially if you live in an area prone to wildfires. Depending on the type of fire pit you have and how it’s built, your insurer could adjust your coverage or require certain safety measures before it’s fully covered.

Fire Pits Can Increase Liability Risks

Even if you’re careful, accidents can happen. A guest could trip and fall, a child could get too close to the flames, or embers could drift and damage a neighbor’s property. Situations like these may fall under your personal liability insurance, which is why it’s so important to make sure you have enough protection in place.

Review Your Policy with Your Agent

Before you light that first fire, give your insurance agent a quick call. They can walk you through how your policy treats fire pits and confirm that your liability coverage is high enough to protect you in case someone gets hurt or something goes wrong.

What Insurance Coverage Helps Protect You?

Homeowners insurance can help protect you if the unexpected happens, but within your policy, there are certain subsections that matter most when it comes to fire pits. These include:

• Liability coverage: This helps if a guest is injured while using or sitting near your fire pit. It can cover medical bills, legal expenses, and other costs tied to accidents on your property.
• Dwelling coverage: If a fire pit accident damages your home or other structures, such as a shed or fence, this portion of your policy may help pay for repairs.
• Endorsements or add-ons: For extra protection, some insurers offer endorsements that raise coverage limits or expand what’s included in your policy. This could be especially valuable if you host large gatherings or have a permanent, built-in fire feature.

How Can You Lower Risks When Using a Fire Pit?

A few simple habits can keep you, your guests, and your home safe while you enjoy those evenings by the flames. These include:

Checking the Rules and Weather First

Before you light up, make sure there aren’t any local burn bans or restrictions in place. And if it’s windy, save the fire for another night since wind can carry sparks farther than you think.

Keeping Fires Small and Under Control

It’s tempting to build a big, roaring fire, but smaller is safer. A controlled flame is easier to manage and less likely to throw sparks into unsafe areas.

Clearing the Space Around Your Pit

Create a spark-free zone of at least 5 feet around your fire pit by clearing away leaves, needles, trash, and other flammable debris.

Burning the Right Materials

Stick to clean, seasoned firewood or manufactured logs. Avoid burning these materials:

• Plastic
• Magazines
• Wooden pallets
• Particleboard
• Painted wood
• Cardboard
• Softwood
• Trash, including food and yard waste

Using a Spark Screen

A spark screen or cover can help catch flying embers before they drift toward nearby furniture, grass, or guests. Just remember, metal screens can get hot, so use proper tools to handle them.

Keeping Fire Tools Close

Always have water, a fire extinguisher, or a shovel nearby. In an emergency, use water to douse the flames and stir the embers until everything is cool to the touch.

Never Leaving It Unattended

Even if the fire looks like it’s dying down, don’t walk away. Always have an adult keeping an eye on the flames, especially if kids or pets are nearby.

Watching Seating and Clothing

Place chairs a safe distance away (2 to 4 feet, depending on the type of fire pit), and avoid loose, synthetic clothing that could melt if sparks land on it.

Frequently Asked Questions About Fire Pits

Take a look at some common questions regarding fire pits:

How to start a fire in a fire pit?

Begin with dry tinder (like newspaper or small twigs) at the base, then stack kindling and a few larger logs on top in a teepee or log-cabin shape. Light the tinder with a match or lighter, and let the kindling catch before adding more wood. Never use gasoline or lighter fluid, as they can cause dangerous flare-ups.

How to put out a fire pit?

Let the fire burn down naturally, then slowly pour water over the embers while stirring with a stick or shovel. Continue adding water and stirring until everything is cool to the touch. If water isn’t available, use sand or dirt to smother the fire completely.

How far should a fire pit be from your house?

Most safety experts recommend keeping a fire pit at least 10 feet from your home, fences, or sheds, though 20–25 feet is even better if you have the space.

Stay Protected with Mercury Insurance

A backyard fire pit is an exciting fixture to add to your household, but that fun comes with responsibility. From choosing a safe location to following local regulations, every step you take reduces risk and helps protect your home and loved ones.

“Fire pits can be a great addition to your yard, but it’s important to remember they also introduce potential hazards,” says Larry Anderson, Director, UW Operations for Mercury Insurance. “By practicing basic safety measures and making sure your home is properly insured, you can enjoy peace of mind while gathering around the flames.”

Also, make sure you have the right homeowners insurance to protect you from the unexpected. With Mercury Insurance, you can file fire-related claims 24 hours a day, seven days a week by calling our claims hotline at (800) 503-3724. Be sure to speak with your Mercury agent to find out if you need additional fire insurance coverage to protect your home in the event of a disaster.

Contact us today for a fast, free quote!