When You Don’t Love Your Neighbors’ Fire Pits As Much As They Do: Block Talk

The arrival of cooler evening temperatures will bring out fire pits in neighborhoods across America. Do you love your neighbors’ fires as much as they do?

There’s no question patio fire pits and fireplaces have grown in popularity, both for warmth and aesthetic appeal. The North American fire pit market was valued at an estimated $3.09 billion in 2024, and is expected to grow to $5.45 billion by 2032, according to Grand View Research.

Although many places allow fire pits, they are often subject to regulations to ensure the public safety of others. They generally need to be placed on fire-resistant surfaces, and there may be restrictions on burn materials.

According to Grand View Research, most fire pits sold in North America burn wood, which the Environmental Protection Agency said is made up of a complex mixture of gases and particle pollution, especially in some metro areas.

That may put the fire pit owner crosswise with neighbors with heart or lung disease, including asthma and COPD.

Does the breeze carry the smoke in their direction? Does it waft into open windows? Did the neighbors not get their scouting badges on how to start a proper fire and use green wood that smolders and stinks up the neighborhood? Do they think if a small fire is good, a roaring one is great?

In short, what does it take to be a good neighbor when using your fire pit? We’re asking for Block Talk, Patch’s exclusive neighborhood etiquette column.

Just fill out the form below. As always, we don’t collect email addresses.

About Block Talk

Block Talk is a regular Patch feature offering real-world advice from readers on how to resolve everyday neighborhood problems. If you have a neighborhood etiquette question or problem you'd like for us to consider, email beth.dalbey@patch.com, with Block Talk as the subject line.

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