Readiness check

Is your fire feature safe or a backyard hazard?

An outdoor fire feature is fire, and often gas, in the backyard, so the two things that make it safe are the clearances and the gas. A fire too close to the house or under a pergola, regular rock that explodes, or a gas leak in an enclosure are the real hazards. Answer for how it is actually built. This is general guidance; confirm with the gas and fire codes, the manufacturer, and the AHJ. The score stays on your device; enter an email only if you want the fire feature checklist sent over.

1. Is the fire feature set back from the house, combustibles, and the property line?Yes, the required clearances are heldCloser than idealRight against the house or fence

2. Is there open sky above it (no fire under a pergola, roof, or tree)?Yes, open overhead clearancePartly covered aboveUnder a pergola or tree

3. If on a wood deck, is it protected (non-combustible base and clearance) or a rated unit?Yes, protected base or deck-rated unitSome protectionOpen fire on a wood deck

4. Is the fill rated fire glass or lava rock (not river rock, pea gravel, or regular stone)?Yes, rated dry fire media onlyNot sure what is in itRegular rock or gravel

5. For gas, is the burner and pan rated and set up for the gas type (correct orifice)?Yes, rated burner sized and orificed for the gasA generic burnerImprovised burner

6. If the gas feature is enclosed, is it vented so gas cannot pool (low vents for LP)?Yes, the enclosure is vented per the gasMinimal ventingSealed enclosure

7. Is the gas line to code (sizing, accessible shutoff, leak test, licensed pro)?Yes, code gas with an accessible shutoffRun, but not verifiedDIY, no shutoff

8. Do you have the gas permit and meet the fire code and local burn rules?Yes, permitted and within the fire rulesUnsure of the local rulesNo permit