OPEN BURNING, RECREATIONAL FIRE & PORTABLE OUTDOOR FIREPITS
Summary of Regulations
Meets weather and Air Quality requirements
Location away from combustible structures.
- 50 feet or greater = Bon Fires
- 25 feet or greater = Recreational fires
- 15 feet or greater = Department approved containers (Chiminea)/outdoor fireplaces
- Less than 15 feet = BBQ Grill or department approved container for one- or two-family dwellings. Multi-Family residences are prohibited from any burning or grills within 15 feet of a structure.
Allowed fuels must be seasoned wood (no green wood, brush or leaves) similar to that being used in a fireplace or charcoal only.
Must be attended at all times with a means of extinguishment.
Bon Fires and open burning require permit.
From the International Fire Code
307.1 General.
A person shall not kindle or maintain or authorize to be kindled or maintained any open burning unless conducted and approved in accordance with Sections 307.1.1 through 307.5.
307.1.1 Prohibited open burning.
Open burning shall be prohibited when atmospheric conditions or local circumstances make such fires hazardous, including the use of airborne fireworks and paper lanterns. Exception: Prescribed burning for the purpose of reducing the impact of wildland fire when authorized by the fire code official.
307.1.2 Meteorological conditions. Open burning shall be restricted to periods when surface wind speeds are fifteen (15) m.p.h. or less.
Exception: Fires in portable outdoor fireplaces to include Section 307.4.1 & 307.4.3.2. BBQ grills.
307.1.3 Allowable Fuels. The material being burned or consumed must be seasoned wood (no green wood, brush or leaves) similar to that being used in a fireplace or charcoal only. Any other materials being burned may be subject to further legal action being taken.
307.1.4 Commercial open burning operations. All commercial open burning permits will be required to have an air curtain destructor and pit approved by the fire code official. Require MODNR approval and permit.
307.2 Permit required.
A permit shall be obtained from the fire code official in accordance with Section 105.6 prior to kindling a fire for recognized silvicultural or range or wildlife management practices, prevention or control of disease or pests, or a bonfire. Application for such approval shall only be presented by and permits issued to the owner of the land on which the fire is to be kindled.
307.2.1 Authorization.
Where required by state or local law or regulations, open burning shall only be permitted with prior approval from the state or local air and water quality management authority, provided that all conditions specified in the authorization are followed.
307.3 Extinguishment authority.
Where open burning creates or adds to a hazardous situation, or a required permit for open burning has not been obtained, the fire code official is authorized to order the extinguishment of the open burning operation.
307.4 Location.
The location for open burning shall be not less than 50 feet (15 240 mm) from any structure, and provisions shall be made to prevent the fire from spreading to within 50 feet (15 240 mm) of any structure.
Exceptions:
1. Fires in approved containers that are not less than 15 feet (4572 mm) from a structure.
2. The minimum required distance from a structure shall be 25 feet (7620 mm) where the pile size is 3 feet (914 mm) or less in diameter and 2 feet (610 mm) or less in height.
307.4.1 Bonfires.
A bonfire shall not be conducted within 50 feet (15 240 mm) of a structure or combustible material unless the fire is contained in a barbecue pit. Conditions that could cause a fire to spread within 50 feet (15 240 mm) of a structure shall be eliminated prior to ignition. Bonfire dimensions shall not exceed six (6) feet in diameter and six (6) feet in height and shall be approved by the fire code official, and permit issued. Section 307.1.1 applies to bonfires.
307.4.2 Recreational fires.
Recreational fires shall not be conducted within 25 feet (7620 mm) of a structure or combustible material. Conditions that could cause a fire to spread within 25 feet (7620 mm) of a structure shall be eliminated prior to ignition.
307.4.3 Portable outdoor fireplaces.
Fires contained within commercially built outdoor fireplaces designed to prevent the spread of flames or embers are permitted on privately owned property of a one- or two-family dwelling for pleasure, cooking, warmth, or similar purposes. Outdoor fireplaces shall not be operated on or within fifteen (15) feet of combustible materials, decks or patios. Outdoor fireplaces may not be used for burning trash, yard waste (other than small tree branches, cut/broken to fit in the fireplace), rubbish or similar material. Section 307.1.1 applies to outdoor fireplaces.
307.5 Attendance.
Open burning, bonfires, recreational fires and use of portable outdoor fireplaces shall be constantly attended until the fire is extinguished. Not fewer than one portable fire extinguisher complying with Section 906 with a minimum 4-A rating or other approved on-site fire-extinguishing equipment, such as dirt, sand, water barrel, garden hose or water truck, shall be available for immediate utilization.