An evening in the garden, the crackle of the fire, the smell of wood smoke. For many, a campfire in their own garden is the epitome of cosiness. And at the same time one of the most googled questions among homeowners: am I actually allowed to?
The honest answer: it depends. What works without a problem in the neighbouring municipality may already be banned a few kilometres away. Anyone who wants to be on the safe side should know the most important rules before the first wood burns.
Is a campfire in the garden generally allowed?
In Germany there is no nationwide law that generally bans or expressly permits campfires in private gardens. Regulation lies with the federal states and municipalities, more precisely in the respective municipal ordinances, development plans or fire protection regulations.
In practice this means: anyone who wants to use a campfire or fire bowl in the garden must first ask their own municipality or public order office. This is not bureaucracy for its own sake but the only way to be on the safe side.
As a rule of thumb: open fires outdoors are restricted or subject to approval in many urban areas. In the countryside or rural areas the handling is often more relaxed.
What is allowed for a campfire in the garden?
Where campfires are generally tolerated, clear rules still apply:
- Fire bowls and fire baskets are permitted in many municipalities because they keep the fire contained and controllable. The embers do not touch the ground directly, and handling is safer than an open ground fire.
- Dry-stored, untreated wood may be burned. This includes natural logs, wood briquettes made of pure wood and dried branch and trunk wood.
- Keep distances: there must be enough space between the fire and buildings, garages, fences or trees. Many municipalities prescribe minimum distances that can be between two and five metres. If in doubt, choose more distance.
- Supervision: the fire must never burn unattended. One person must always be directly present and able to extinguish the fire completely.
- Observe quiet hours: even if the fire itself is allowed, the general noise protection rules apply. A night-time fire with loud guests can become a problem with the neighbours, even if the fire itself is legal.
What is prohibited for a campfire in the garden?
Here the list of the most common prohibitions is clear and unambiguous:
- Burning treated wood is prohibited. Painted, impregnated or coated wood releases toxic substances when burned. Anyone who burns demolition timber or old furniture parts is committing an offence and harming their own health.
- Burning garden waste is prohibited in most federal states. Leaves, branches, grass cuttings or compostable material belong in the organic waste bin or on the compost heap, not in the fire. Some states allow burning dry branches under certain conditions and only at set times of year, but that is the exception.
- Plastic, paper, cardboard and packaging waste must not be burned. This also applies to boxes, newspaper or packaging that many consider harmless.
- Fire in drought or wind: in strong wind or prolonged drought there is an increased risk of fire and spread. Caution is required in such periods; in some regions temporary bans then apply.
- Fire without means of extinguishing: anyone who has no water, sand or suitable extinguishing agent at hand is acting negligently. In the event of damage this can be relevant for liability.
Which wood is suitable for a campfire in the garden?
The right wood makes the difference, both for a beautiful fire and for safety and the environment. As a rule: dry, untreated wood burns cleanly, hot and with little smoke.
Hardwood such as beech, oak or ash is particularly suitable. It burns longer, produces more embers and fewer sparks. Softwood such as spruce or pine burns faster and hotter but also throws more sparks, which should be considered with a fire bowl.
Wood briquettes made of pure wood are a sensible addition: uniformly dry, easy to dose and clean to handle. Anyone who values quality goes for products with proven residual moisture and appropriate certificates.
What does not belong in the garden fire: damp wood. It burns poorly, smokes heavily and releases incompletely burned particles that burden neighbours and your own health.
You can find the right fuels in the firewood and wood briquettes range from HEIZFUXX®.
Neighbours and consideration
Even if the fire is legally allowed, common sense should play a part. A campfire whose smoke drifts directly into the neighbours' open windows is a problem even if the public order office would have no objection. Neighbourly consideration is part of responsible handling of fire. In case of dispute, neighbour law may apply. Repeated and significant smoke nuisance can be regarded as an impairment of the neighbour's property, even if the fire itself is approved.
What to clarify before the first fire
Before the wood is stacked, three simple steps are worthwhile:
- Ask the municipal administration or public order office whether open fires or fire bowls are allowed in the residential area and which conditions apply.
- Check the development plan if the property is in an area with special regulations.
- Check insurance cover: anyone who lights a fire is liable in the event of damage. Your own liability insurance should cover this case.
Conclusion: inform first, then light
A campfire in your own garden is possible in many parts of Germany but tied to clear rules. Anyone who informs themselves in advance, uses the right wood and pays attention to distances and safety can enjoy the fire in the garden without worry. The most important rule: inform first, then light.
Anyone who relies on high-quality, dry wood does themselves and their surroundings a favour. Good wood burns cleanly, safely and the way a fire should be: cosy and controlled.
HEIZFUXX® · SIMPLE. CLEVER. HEATING.
Wood pellets, wood briquettes, firewood, kindling, peat briquettes and hard coal – by the bag at DIY stores, by the pallet online. Where to get HEIZFUXX®.