Outdoor Fire Policy

Effective Date

August 1, 2023

Office of Primary Responsibility

Office of Student Life

Summary of Policy

Outdoor fires, such as those in fire pits, grills, and barbeques must be done so in a safe, and legal manner.

Reason for Policy

This policy is to help ensure the safety of the College community with regards to outdoor open flames.

Policy Statement

Students and student organizations wishing to have an outdoor fire as part of a greater event and/or as a solo event, must register the fire through Student Life. This includes, but is not limited to, the fire pits at Murray Hall and North Village Quad, and fire pits at College owned houses. Students and student organizations wishing to use grills and/or barbeques on College property must register the existence of the grill/barbeque at the start of the academic year, or when the grill/barbeque is brought to campus, with the Office of Student Life. 

For use of fire pits, the following requirements must be met:

1. Must be in an authorized fire proof container such as a manufactured metal fire pit designed for recreational use. 
2. Must be at least 25 feet away from a structure or combustible material.
3. The use of accelerants such as gasoline, kerosene, or lighter fluid is prohibited.
4. Conditions which could cause a fire to spread will be eliminated prior to ignition. 
   1. In the event of strong winds, outdoor fires are not permitted.
5. Recreational fires must be constantly attended until the fire is completely extinguished.
6. A minimum of one portable fire extinguisher with a minimum 4-A rating or other approved on-site fire extinguishing equipment, such as dirt, sand, water barrel, or a garden house must be available for immediate utilization. 
7. Any recreational fire that is found to be offensive or objectionable must be extinguished. 
8. The College reserves the right to prohibit fires when atmospheric conditions or local circumstances make such fire hazardous. 
9. Fire must be restricted to 3 feet in diameter and 2 feet in height at all times. Any fires larger than these dimensions are strictly prohibited by the College and the City of Meadville.
10. Only proper firewood and kindling are permitted. Firewood is the responsibility of the individuals/organizations.

The College has the right to inspect all fires for compliance with these requirements and Meadville City Ordinance. 

For the use of grills, barbecues, etc. the following requirements must be met:

1. Outdoor cooking is only permitted in devices that are manufactured for outdoor use (no homemade grills/barbeques/smokers, etc.)
2. All outdoor cooking devices must be in good shape, free from significant rust, holes, or any other damage that might affect the structural integrity of the device.
3. Outdoor cooking devices must be away from buildings and other structures that could catch fire.
4. Outdoor cooking devices must be constantly attended to while the device is lit. 
5. A minimum of one portable fire extinguisher with a minimum 4-A rating or other approved on-site fire extinguishing equipment, such as dirt, sand, water barrel, or a garden house must be available for immediate utilization. 
6. Disposal of coals must be done in accordance with fire safety 
   1. Coals must be cool
   2. Coals must be disposed of properly (not in containers that will burn/melt)

The College has the right to inspect all outdoor cooking devices for compliance with these requirements and Meadville City Ordinance.