Backyard Campfire: How to Safely Build and Enjoy a Campfire at Home

A backyard campfire is one of the simplest ways to bring warmth, relaxation, and connection into your outdoor space. For homeowners and families, it turns an ordinary backyard into a cozy gathering spot perfect for roasting marshmallows, telling stories, or simply unwinding after a long day.

However, enjoying a campfire in your backyard isn’t just about lighting wood and watching the flames. Beginners often overlook critical factors like local laws, safety distances, smoke control, and neighbor etiquette. These details matter—not only for safety, but also for avoiding fines, complaints, or accidents.

This guide walks you through everything you need to know, step by step, so you can enjoy a campfire for backyard use safely, legally, and responsibly.

Is It Legal to Have a Campfire in Your Backyard?

Before setting up a fire pit or campfire in your garden, legality should be your first concern. In the UK, while there are no specific laws banning garden fires, there are strict environmental and safety regulations you must follow to avoid heavy fines or legal action from your local council.

Local Authority Regulations

Most councils regulate garden fires under the Environmental Protection Act 1990. Rather than a total ban, the law focuses on "Statutory Nuisance." This means:

• Smoke Nuisance: You must ensure that smoke does not prevent neighbours from enjoying their gardens, opening windows, or hanging out washing. If a neighbour complains, the council can issue an Abatement Notice, and failure to comply can lead to a fine of up to £5,000.

• Smoke Control Areas: Many UK towns and cities are designated Smoke Control Areas. In these zones, you may be restricted to burning authorised smokeless fuels or kiln-dried wood with a moisture content below 20% (look for the "Ready to Burn" logo).

The Highways Act 1980

Safety extends beyond your property line. Under the Highways Act, it is an offence if smoke from your fire drifts across a public road and endangers traffic by obstructing visibility. This can lead to a criminal conviction and a fine from the police.

Tenancy and Leasehold Agreements

If you do not own the freehold of your home, you must check your Tenancy Agreement or Leasehold contract. Many landlords and housing associations explicitly prohibit open fires or fire pits due to insurance risks and potential damage to the property.

Prohibited Conditions and Materials

Backyard fires are strictly regulated or prohibited in the following scenarios:

• Burning Domestic Waste: It is illegal to burn household rubbish, plastic, rubber, or treated wood (e.g., painted fences or varnished pallets) as these produce toxic "dark smoke."

• High-Risk Weather: During extreme droughts or high winds, local Fire and Rescue Services may issue strong warnings or temporary bans on outdoor burning to prevent wildfires.

• Commercial Waste: Burning any business-related waste in a backyard fire is a serious offence that can result in fines up to £20,000.

If you need more information about lighting fires in your garden/backyard, please see more information here.

What’s the Difference Between Campfire vs Backyard Campfire Pit

Many beginners confuse different fire options, but understanding the differences helps you choose the safest setup.

• Open Campfire: This is a basic fire built directly on the ground or in a ring. While traditional, it’s the least controlled and often restricted by local laws.
• Fire Pit: A fire pit contains flames within a defined structure. A backyard campfire pit improves safety, airflow, and heat control compared to an open fire.
• Smokeless Fire Pit: Smokeless fire pits use secondary combustion to burn off smoke particles. They’re popular in residential areas where smoke and neighbors are concerned.
• Chiminea: A chiminea is a freestanding, chimney-style fire feature. It directs smoke upward and provides better wind protection than open pits.

Best Backyard Campfire Pit Options

Choosing the right pit balances safety, smoke control, and ease of use.

Wood-Burning Fire Pits

Smoke can be reduced significantly by using properly dried fuel, such as kiln-dried logs , which burns hotter and cleaner than regular logs.

Pros: 

• Traditional campfire experience

• Strong heat output

• Natural flame ambiance

Cons: 

• Produces smoke

• Requires dry, seasoned wood

>>> More information: Understanding the Environmental Benefits of Kiln-Dried Logs

Smokeless Fire Pits

Smokeless pits use double-wall airflow systems to reburn smoke before it escapes. They’re ideal if:

• You live close to neighbors

• You want less odor and eye irritation

• You plan frequent backyard fires

Propane & Gas Fire Pits

 Gas fire pits are better for beginners, families with kids, or areas with strict fire regulations.

• No sparks or embers

• Instant ignition and shutoff

• Consistent flame control

How to Set Up a Safe Campfire in Your Backyard

Setting up your campfire correctly is the foundation of both safety and enjoyment, especially in a backyard environment where homes, fences, and neighbors are close by. A well-planned setup reduces fire risks, controls smoke, and makes the experience more relaxing.

Choose the Right Location

Before lighting anything, make sure your campfire spot is suitable and compliant with local safety guidelines:

• Keep at least 10–20 feet away from your house, fences, sheds, and outdoor furniture

• Ensure there are no low-hanging branches, wires, or structures overhead

• Place the fire pit on level, non-combustible ground such as gravel, concrete, or stone

Prepare the Ground & Fire Pit

A stable and fire-resistant base helps prevent heat damage and ember spread:

• Use fire-resistant bases or pavers under portable fire pits

• Install a fire ring to contain flames and maintain a defined burn area

• Add spark screens to reduce the risk of flying embers, especially on windy evenings

Essential Items for a Controlled Backyard Campfire

Having the right fire-starting and fuel materials makes the process safer and more predictable:

• Firelighters – Allow quick, clean ignition without using flammable liquids

• Wood wool firelighters – A natural, low-smoke option that burns evenly and is well-suited for residential areas

• Charcoal briquettes – Provide steady, long-lasting heat, ideal for fire pits or backyard cooking setups

Building and Lighting the Fire

When it’s time to light the fire, control is more important than size:

• Use dry hardwood only for cleaner burning and less smoke

• Keep fires small and manageable to avoid excessive heat and sparks

• Avoid burning trash, treated wood, or cardboard, as these produce toxic smoke and floating embers

By combining proper setup, the right materials, and controlled fire-building practices, you can enjoy a backyard campfire that’s warm, safe, and neighbor-friendly—without unnecessary risks or mess.

>>> See more: Creative Outdoor Wood Burner Ideas for Cozy Backyard Evenings

Backyard Campfire Safety Rules Everyone Should Follow

Safety is non-negotiable when enjoying a campfire for backyard use.

• Never leave a fire unattended

• Keep children and pets at a safe distance

• Avoid lighting fires on windy days

• Always have water, sand, or a fire extinguisher nearby

These simple habits dramatically reduce risk and help ensure every backyard campfire stays enjoyable.

Smoke, Neighbors & Backyard Etiquette

Smoke is the #1 reason backyard campfires cause complaints.

To be a good neighbor:

• Use dry wood to minimize smoke

• Pay attention to wind direction

• Keep fires shorter and earlier in the evening

• Avoid loud music and excessive lighting

Smokeless fire pits or premium firewood products are especially useful in residential neighborhoods.

Common Backyard Campfire Mistakes

Avoid these frequent beginner errors:

• Building fires too large

• Using wet or green wood

• Placing fires on grass or wooden decks

• Ignoring local laws or burn bans

Most backyard fire incidents stem from one or more of these mistakes. For instructions on how to light a campfire, please see the guide How to Light a Campfire: Camping Tips for Beginners

How to Properly Put Out a Backyard Campfire

Putting out your fire correctly is just as important as starting it.

Steps: 

1. Let wood burn down to ash

2. Pour water slowly over embers

3. Stir ashes to release trapped heat

4. Repeat until cool to the touch

Ash Disposal: 

• Wait at least 24 hours

• Store ashes in a metal container

• Never dispose of warm ashes in trash bins

FAQs About Backyard Campfires

1. Can I have a campfire in my backyard?

Yes, if fire codes, and local authority regulations allow it.

2. What is the safest backyard campfire pit?

Gas and smokeless fire pits are generally the safest for beginners.

3. How far should a campfire be from my house?

At least 10–20 feet, depending on local regulations.

4. Are smokeless fire pits really smokeless?

They significantly reduce smoke, but no fire pit is 100% smoke-free.

A backyard campfire can be one of the most rewarding outdoor experiences for families and homeowners, when done responsibly. By understanding local laws, choosing the right campfire pit, using quality fuel, and following safety best practices, you can enjoy warmth and ambiance without stress.

Think of a backyard campfire not as a one-time event, but as an experience you return to again and again: safe, respectful, and enjoyable for everyone around you.