Columbia Fires ordinance (§ 17-113)
Chapter 17: Parks and Recreation · Article IV. Conduct Regulations
In short: In city parks, you can't build a fire except in areas and under rules set by the parks director. You also can't drop or scatter lighted matches, burning cigarettes, cigars or other flammable material in a park or on any road or street next to it.
Our plain-English summary, not the official text or legal advice. The ordinance below is what counts.
It shall be unlawful for any person in a park to build or attempt to build a fire except in such area and under such regulations as may be designated by the director. No person shall drop, throw, or otherwise scatter lighted matches, burning cigarettes or cigars, tobacco paper or other inflammable material, within any park area or on any highway, road or street abutting or contiguous thereto.
Official source: City of Columbia official Code of Ordinances (online): look up Sec. 17-113
Text from Supplement 139 (September 3, 2026).
Last checked November 1, 2026. The city's official copy controls; this page is a reading copy, not legal advice.