Tennessee Vacation Rental Grill and Fire Pit Rules

Grill and fire pit violations are among the most common failure points during Sevier County STRU fire inspections. According to the Sevier County Fire Marshal's STRU inspection checklist (revised November 2024), the rules vary significantly depending on the fuel type, and several requirements catch property owners off guard.

Charcoal grills: banned on structures

According to the Sevier County Fire Marshal's checklist, "charcoal grills or other open flame cooking devices are NOT permitted on any surface of the structure" and must be "10 feet from structure and any combustible surface." For most Smoky Mountain cabins built on elevated decks, this effectively means charcoal grills must be placed on the ground away from the cabin.

Gas and propane grills: four requirements

Natural gas and propane grills are permitted on decks but must meet all four of these requirements:

The non-combustible mat protects the deck surface from grease drips and heat. Standard grill mats designed for this purpose are available at most home improvement stores. The mat should extend at least several inches beyond the grill footprint on all sides.

The grill must be physically secured to the deck so guests cannot reposition it closer to the railing or structure. This typically means bolting the grill stand to the deck or using a security cable.

Fire pits: same rules apply by fuel type

According to the Sevier County Fire Marshal's checklist, fire pit rules mirror the grill rules by fuel type:

• Wood-burning fire pits: "No open burning devices such as fire pits are permitted on any combustible surfaces of the structure at any time." This means no wood-burning fire pits on decks, porches, or any surface attached to the cabin.
• Natural gas and propane fire pits on decks: Same four requirements as gas grills: non-combustible mat, 60-minute shut-off timer on the gas line, secured to the deck, and 18 inches from railings or structure.

What your turnover team should check

Guests commonly move grills closer to tables or railings for convenience, unplug gas timers, and shift fire pits to preferred locations. After every checkout, verify:

• Gas grill is in its designated secured position (check that mounting bolts are tight)
• Grill is at least 18 inches from railings and structure walls
• 60-minute timer is connected and functioning on the gas line
• Non-combustible mat is in place under the grill
• No charcoal grills or portable open-flame devices have been left on the property by guests
• Fire pit is in its secured position with all four requirements met
• Propane tanks are properly connected (no leaks, valves closed when not in use)