Can I have an outdoor fireplace in my backyard?

Short answer: Often yes, but only if you follow your local council rules, use approved fuels, and check for fire-ban restrictions.

In most parts of Australia, backyard fire pits, wood-fired pizza ovens and outdoor fireplaces are permitted for recreational use (cooking and ambience). But that doesn’t mean you can burn garden waste, treated timber or rubbish, and any outdoor fire must be safe, contained, and not create a nuisance for neighbours.

The 4 essentials for backyard fireplaces

1. Define the activity: recreational use only
Fires used for cooking, barbecuing or ambience are usually treated differently from “open burning” (like burning garden waste). Councils tend to allow recreational fires when other conditions are met.

2. Use only approved fuels
Dry/well-seasoned hardwood, LPG or natural gas, and commercial barbecue fuels are typically permitted. Using the right fuel reduces smoke and complies with most council regulations.

3. Follow fire-ban rules
During bushfire season or a declared total fire ban, solid-fuel fires (including pizza ovens, fire pits and chimineas) may be fully prohibited, always check Department of Fire & Emergency Services,  for up to date information.

4. Neighbour impact matters
Smoke, odour or drifting embers that cause nuisance or risk to your neighbours property can lead to complaints or council intervention.

Choosing a safe & legal installation location

The Trendz team and your landscaper/builder are here to work with you to make sure regulations are met, when installing your outdoor fireplace;

• Keep a safe buffer from buildings, fences, and plants.

• The Australian National Construction Code (NCC) requires a minimum 1 metre clearance, while Fire & Safety authorities recommend at least 3 metres for added protection.

• Ensure the outdoor fireplace is placed on a stable, non-combustible foundation. Specifications for foundations for Trendz fireplace models can be found on the resources page.

Before lighting your outdoor fireplace

A little preparation goes a long way in keeping your fire safe, compliant and enjoyable;

1. Check fire-ban status: On total fire ban days, do not light any solid-fuel fire.

2. Burn well-seasoned hardwood: Dry wood produces minimal smoke and burns more efficiently, more information can be found on selecting the right firewood here.

3. Never burn prohibited materials: No rubbish, treated timber or green waste.

4. Have safety equipment nearby: A hose, bucket of water, sand, or a fire extinguisher within 5 metres.

5. Be neighbour-aware: If smoke drifts across boundaries, adjust your fire, check the wood you're using, or extinguish it.

This article provides general guidance only. Regulations change, and local requirements can differ significantly.

• Check with your local council for rules at your specific address.

• Follow your state fire authority for up-to-date fire danger ratings and total fire ban information.