Outdoor fires; applying for a special permit

As a general rule, there must be no risk of fire to the surrounding area.

Outdoor fire pits using suitable fuel (in particular untreated wood) do not generally require a permit, provided the following distances are observed:

• At least 25 metres away from highly flammable substances and
• at least 5 metres from buildings and other flammable materials; an application for an exemption may be submitted to the local authority.
• At least 100 metres from a woodland; for shorter distances, a permit is required, which can be applied for at the local forestry authority (Office for Food, Agriculture and Forestry).

It should also be noted that:

• In strong winds, the fire must be put out.
• The fire must be supervised at all times by a sufficient number of suitable people.
• Any fire or embers must be completely extinguished and any burnt-out remains properly cleared away before you leave the site.
• The permission of the landowner is always required to light and maintain open fires in the countryside outside areas designated for this purpose by the authorities.
• When lighting a fire where permitted, the general obligation to protect the natural environment should be observed.
• Further provisions may apply in protected areas and may be set out in protected area regulations. Further information on this can be obtained from the local nature conservation authorities.
• If the fire is lit as part of a public entertainment event – which may be the case depending on the specific circumstances of the individual case – the public entertainment event as such generally requires notification to be given to the local authority at least one week in advance and, where applicable, a permit in individual cases, provided that no overriding special regulations apply (see the service ‘Public entertainment; notification and application for a permit’ under ‘Related topics’).
• In the event of larger fires, it may be advisable to inform the local authority and the Integrated Control Centre in advance to avoid false alarms.

Local authorities may issue more detailed instructions and require specific precautions to be taken on a case-by-case basis. Further information on this matter can be obtained from your local authority.