FAQs

Back Yard Recreational Fires

  • No. Village ordinance strictly forbids the burning of leaves.

  • Yes, firepits are allowed so long as they are "recreational burning" types of firepits. Section 12-3 of the Village Code of Ordinance states the following:

    Recreational campfires shall be permitted, provided:

    • (1) The campfire shall be no more than 36 inches in diameter;
    • (2) The campfire shall be contained within a fire pit or fire ring made of metal, stone, masonry, brick, or other noncombustible material designed to restrict the size and spreadability of the fire;
    • (3) An area clear of all combustible materials is maintained a minimum of 48 inches outside of the fire pit or fire ring;
    • (4) The campfire shall be constantly attended by a competent person of at least 18 years of age until the fire is extinguished and is cold. The person shall have readily available for use such fire extinguishing equipment as may be necessary for total control of the fire;
    • (5) Only seasoned firewood, small twigs and kindling, which do not extend outside the fire pit or fire ring, are used; and
    • (6) Smoke, odor and/or sparks do not create a nuisance or danger to persons or property.

    (b) Patio fireplaces. Burning within patio fireplaces shall be permitted, provided:

    • (1) An area clear of all combustible materials is maintained a minimum of 48 inches outside of the patio fireplace;
    • (2) The patio fireplace shall be located at least 25 feet from the nearest structure which is not on the same property as the patio fireplace
    • (3)  (The patio fireplace shall be constantly attended by a competent person of at least 18 years of age until the fire is extinguished and is cold. The person shall have readily available for use such fire extinguishing equipment as may be necessary for total control of the fire;
    • (4) Only seasoned firewood, small twigs, and kindling, which do not extend outside the patio fireplace, are used; and
    • (5) Smoke, odor and/or sparks do not create a nuisance or danger to persons or property.

    c) Grills. Open burning within outdoor barbecue, gas and charcoal grills for the express purpose of food preparation shall be permitted. Said outdoor barbecue, gas and charcoal grills shall be used only as originally intended by the manufacturer and/or in accordance with manufacturer's instructions.

    Please note that these are the general prohibitions for having fires on property within the Village. Per Section 12-2 of the Village Code of Ordinance:

    (a) No burning shall be permitted at any time or in any location which creates a nuisance, hazard, or annoyance to persons or property by reason of heat, flame, fly ash, sparks, smoke, or odor.

    (b) No burning shall be permitted at any time or in any location when:

    • (1) The Department of Natural Resources has issued a ban on burning due to fire danger; or
    • (2) The Department of Environmental Quality has declared an "air quality action day" applicable to the village.

    c) No open burning of refuse or yard waste shall be permitted.

    (d) No open burning of any materials in commercial and industrial zoning sites, whether on the ground or in a container, shall be permitted except in accordance with section 12-3.

    (e) No open burning shall be permitted on any village street, curb, sidewalk, alley, parking lot, park, or property; except that open burning within barbecue, gas and charcoal grills for the express purpose of food preparation shall be permitted under the following conditions:

    • (1) When used within village parks;
    • (2) On other village property when a written permit has first been obtained from the village manager or his designee.

    (f) No other open burning of any material shall be permitted except in accordance with section 12-3.

  • No. Village ordinance does not permit any burning of refuse -- in any manner -- within the Village.