Brazier and fire pit use
Learn how to use braziers and fire pits safely, prevent fire hazards and minimise smoke impacts.
About braziers and firepits
You can use braziers and fire pits in a residential area as long as:
- smoke doesn't impact neighbours
- the fire pit sits off the ground
- fire doesn't present a safety risk for people or property.
Local law and fire exemptions
Under the Health, Safety and Amenity Local Law 2021, you can’t burn waste (including green waste) in your backyard.
If you live in a rural area, you can burn green waste with a permit from a fire warden. You must comply with the requirements of the Fire Services Act 1990.
Residents in rural areas undertaking an authorised burn should take measures to reduce their smoke impacts.
The local law has several other exemptions around fires. This includes fires:
- authorised or required under the Fire Services Act 1990
- used as part of cultural, ceremonial or theatrical performances or similar events
- used to cook food in a barbecue, pizza oven or food smoker, where fire is not in direct contact with the ground
- are of a size, nature and duration that doesn’t present a fire hazard.
Exempt fires must still avoid creating smoke or odour nuisance, as a requirement of the Environmental Protection Act 1994.
How to safely use a brazier or fire pit
Use these guidelines to help minimise smoke impacts or fire hazards when using your brazier or fire pit.
By following these measures, you can enjoy your fire pit while minimising the risk of smoke impacts and maintaining fire safety for your home and neighbours.
Practice the safe use of equipment
You must contain your fire in a brazier or fire pit that:
- prevents the escape of fire or burning material
- allows air to flow into the fire from below and the sides to enable oxygenation and minimise smoke production
- has an ashtray to prevent contact with any flammable material on the ground or flooring (portable braziers and pits).
Use safe materials
Safe residential braziers and fire pits should only burn:
- clean, dry wood
- gas
- ethanol
- charcoal.
Set up away from hazards
Your fire must not be:
- under a roof or other overhang
- on a balcony
- in a used drum or on the ground
- within 2.5 metres of other flammable and combustible materials, including vegetation.
Keep kids and pets supervised
A responsible person aged 18 years or over should oversee a backyard fire. It must never be left unattended until it has been extinguished.
Always supervise young children and pets around a fire.
Extinguish your fire completely
To put out your fire safely:
- use water
- don’t cover with sand or dirt
- don't let the fire burn out overnight
- don’t put hot coals into garden beds or other areas where they may catch alight.
Preventing accidents and health impacts
Following local laws and regulations can help prevent accidents, injuries and property damage.
They include:
- having only one brazier or fire pit on a property at any one time
- not lighting a fire during a total fire ban
- not burning painted or treated wood, plastics or any other rubbish
- not burning vegetation from the garden, damp wood, toxic material or waste. It is illegal to collect driftwood or firewood from a Council park, natural area or waterway.
Download our guide to using a brazier or fire pit for more information on how to minimise smoke impacts and enjoy a safe backyard fire.
Frequently asked questions
Fire pits are generally more shallow and open, and may be in or above the ground. Only above-ground versions are legal in Brisbane. They can be used for heating or sometimes small-scale cooking.
Some fire-pits are designed for use with gas or ethanol, which is a clean, smokeless option
Braziers are generally upright, more portable and above ground. They are mainly used for heating and usually hold lighted coals.
Council doesn’t recommend using wood heaters in your home.
This is because wood heaters emit smoke and odour which can expose you and your neighbours to harmful chemicals.
These chemicals are like those in cigarette smoke and can create a nuisance in your neighbourhood.
Download our guide for more information on operating a wood heater responsibly.
Yes, residents in Brisbane can use braziers and fire pits, as long as they do not cause smoke impacts or fire safety risks. Get some helpful tips by using our safety guidelines.
Visit Queensland Fire and Emergency Services to find out about current fire bans and restrictions in your local area.
You can find out if an area is considered rural in the Brisbane Local Government Area by checking which zone it’s in on City Plan.
If you live in a Rural or Rural residential zone, you can burn green waste with a permit from a fire warden. You must comply with the requirements of the Fire Services Act 1990.
It's your responsibility to ensure you don't create a smoke nuisance under the Environmental Protection Act 1994.