Gas fire pits and fire features
Valley evenings cool off quickly even in July. A gas fire feature on the patio lets you enjoy them without breaking the city's fire rules.
A fire feature turns a patio into the place everyone ends up after dinner. In Missoula, the type of fire you can use shapes the whole design, so it's worth settling that question before picking block and burners.
Why gas instead of wood?
Missoula Public Health says recreational fires are banned year-round inside City of Missoula limits, and 2026 news coverage of fire restrictions describes the city rule as prohibiting campfires and wood-fueled fire pits. A gas fire feature that runs on propane or natural gas and turns on and off with a valve or switch is the usual answer for city homes. During countywide Stage 2 restrictions in August 2026, propane and LPG devices that can be turned on and off stayed allowed while campfires were not.
What does a gas fire feature involve?
- A listed burner and fire pit insert installed to the maker's instructions and clearances
- A fuel plan. A propane tank hidden in an access panel, or a natural gas line run from the house
- The right installer for the gas work. Ask who will run and test any gas line and whether a permit is needed at your address
- A paver or block surround built by the hardscape crew around the listed burner, without altering it
- Clearance overhead from trees, pergolas and eaves
What usually goes with it?
- Curved seat walls that double as extra seating
- A wider patio ring so chairs can pull back from the heat
- Low-voltage lights in steps and wall caps
- A grill counter or pergola pad nearby
What about homes outside the city?
In Lolo, Frenchtown and other unincorporated areas, outdoor fire rules depend on the season, the fire danger and any restrictions in place. Missoula County's general burning season opens March 1 and typically closes in midsummer as fire danger rises, and burn permits cover debris from your property, not patio fires. Check current conditions before you design around wood, and expect a gas unit to be the more flexible choice in a dry summer.
Does a covered area need a permit?
A roof or pergola over a fire feature can add structure, footings and snow load to the job. The Montana code summary we rely on lists a 36-inch frost depth and a 40 psf ground snow load for Missoula. Ask the contractor whether any shade structure needs a permit from the city or county.
No two Missoula yards are alike, so the contractor sets a price only after seeing the site, checking the soil and slope, and going over the layout and paver style you want. We don't quote prices, and any figure mentioned on a first phone call is a rough starting point at best.
Where we connect you with help
Common questions
Are wood-burning fire pits allowed in Missoula?
Not inside city limits. Missoula Public Health says recreational fires are banned year-round in the city. Gas fire features are the common choice there.
Can a gas fire pit run on a propane tank?
Yes. Many units take a standard tank hidden in the surround. Others connect to a natural gas line from the house. The contractor can explain both options.
Related services
More background: Missoula paver patio guide.
Ready for a patio that drains well and stays flat through a Missoula winter?
Call the number above and a Missoula-area paver contractor will talk through your yard and set up a visit.