April 25, 2025

Is a Gas Fire Pit Considered an Open Fire?

So, is a gas fire pit an open fire? Short answer: Not quite! While gas fire pits—like sleek fire tables—offer cosy warmth, they aren’t classified as open fires. Curious about why that matters for your backyard setup? Keep reading to find out how to keep your outdoor space safe and stylish!

Definition of Open Fire

When we think about an "open fire," our minds often wander to crackling bonfires or those traditional wood-burning pits that send sparks flying into the air. But is a gas fire pit in the same category? Let’s dive in and get clear on what counts as an open fire.

Traditional Open Fires:

Wood-burning fires with visible flames and embers

Picture this: a chilly evening, your friends gathered around a roaring fire, watching the flames leap and dance. That’s the classic image of an open fire—a wood-burning pit with flames you can see, feel, and hear crackling.

Uncontrolled burning and potential for fire spread

While these fires are undeniably magical, they come with one big problem—lack of control. The flames and embers can easily escape, especially if the wind picks up. One rogue spark and you might have a bigger problem on your hands. This uncontrolled aspect is what earns wood-burning fires a spot under stricter regulations.

Gas Fire Pits:

Controlled flames with a gas burner

Enter the gas fire pit, a more modern and manageable way to enjoy outdoor heat. These fire pits work with controlled gas combustion, meaning the flames stay put, and you won’t have to worry about them running wild. They use gas burners, which means no logs, no smoke, and no unpredictable sparks.

Reduced risk of fire spread

With a gas fire pit, the risk of fire spreading is much lower. The flames are contained within a burner, and the fire is easily turned off with the twist of a knob. This makes gas fire pits safer for your backyard, especially when it comes to preventing the fire from escaping.

Local Regulations and Restrictions

Every outdoor fire feature, whether it's a traditional open fire or a gas fire pit, comes with its own set of rules. Understanding these regulations is essential to avoid fines, avoid accidents, and, of course, stay on the right side of the law.

Fire Bans and Restrictions:

Regulations on open fires during dry seasons or high fire risk

The UK is no stranger to fire bans, particularly in dry seasons or during periods of high fire risk. If you’ve ever been on a camping trip or had a garden BBQ, you might have noticed signs warning against starting a fire when the risk of wildfires is high. Wood-burning fires, with their unpredictable flames and embers, are often the first to be restricted during these times.

Variations in regulations for gas fire pits

On the flip side, gas fire pits tend to get a bit of leeway. They’re considered safer because they’re easier to control. So, in areas where open wood fires are banned, gas fire pits may still be allowed. However, this isn’t always the case, and it’s important to check local regulations. Some areas might have specific rules about the type of fuel you can use, even for gas fire pits.

Safety Considerations

Even though gas fire pits are safer than traditional open fires, they still need to be used carefully. It’s always best to take extra precautions to ensure that your outdoor space remains safe for you, your family, and your guests.

Embers and Sparks:

Potential for embers and sparks from gas fire pits

While gas fire pits have controlled flames, that doesn’t mean they’re completely without risk. Small embers or sparks can still escape, especially if the burner is not well-maintained. These sparks are often much smaller than those from a wood fire, but they can still land on dry grass or nearby furniture, so it’s worth keeping an eye on them.

Importance of fire screens and safety precautions

A simple fix? Fire screens and wind guards. These accessories not only help to contain any rogue sparks but also protect you from the heat of the flames. Adding a screen to your gas fire pit will give you peace of mind, especially if you have children or pets around.

Ventilation and Clearance:

Ensuring adequate ventilation

For a gas fire pit to work efficiently and safely, it needs good ventilation. Without it, you could face gas build-up, which is a serious safety hazard. Always set up your fire pit in a well-ventilated area, away from enclosed spaces like sheds or overhanging trees.

Maintaining a safe distance from combustible materials

Another key safety tip is keeping your gas fire pit at a safe distance from combustible materials. Whether it’s garden furniture, dry plants, or wooden fences, maintaining a clearance of at least 2-3 metres is a smart move. This will help to keep the fire contained and reduce the risk of things catching fire.

Insurance and Liability

Let’s face it: we all want to make sure our home is properly insured in case things go wrong. Gas fire pits are generally safer, but it’s still important to consider how they might affect your homeowners’ insurance.

Homeowners Insurance:

Coverage for fire damage

Most standard homeowners’ insurance policies do cover fire damage, but it’s worth checking the details to make sure your gas fire pit is included. Some policies may have exclusions for outdoor fires, especially if they’re deemed to be high risk. Double-check with your insurer to confirm you’re covered in case something goes wrong.

Potential for increased premiums

Another thing to consider is how your gas fire pit might impact your premiums. While gas fire pits are safer than wood-burning fires, they still pose some risk. Your insurer might increase your premiums, particularly if you live in an area where outdoor fires are a more significant concern. It’s always a good idea to check with your insurer before setting up.

Conclusion

So, is a gas fire pit considered an open fire? The short answer is no. Unlike wood-burning fires, which have uncontrolled flames and a higher risk of spreading, gas fire pits are much safer, with controlled burners and fewer sparks. However, they still need to be used responsibly.

Make sure to stay up-to-date with your local regulations, and always follow safety tips, from using fire screens to maintaining proper clearance. Also, don't forget to check with your insurance provider to make sure you’re covered. With these steps in mind, you’ll be able to enjoy your gas fire pit safely and legally, creating a warm, welcoming space for family and friends to gather.

In the end, a gas fire pit is a stylish, efficient, and safe option for outdoor heating—and with the right precautions, it can be a fantastic addition to your garden.