Are Fire Pits Legal in Illinois?

In the majority of cities and counties of Illinois, recreational fires and backyard fire pits are absolutely legal! However, there are some general rules that apply to all forms of recreational fires, whether wood burning, natural gas, or propane and they are important to follow. For instance, The Office of the Illinois State Fire Marshal states that fire pits should be at least 10 feet away from your home or anything flammable. However, it is important to note that this can vary depending on the county you reside in, some require a distance of 15 feet or more. Furthermore, a method of extinguishing the fire should be immediately available, such as a garden hose or fire extinguisher. Moreover, it is essential to have competent and continuous supervision over the fire in case of any accidents. Lastly, state-wide burn bans can make recreational fires temporarily illegal if they are wood burning, so it is important to check if one is in place particularly during the summer months. 

In Schaumburg, Naperville & Chicago:

The city of Schaumburg states that recreational fires must be at least 15 feet from any buildings or combustible materials in an approved container. Similarly, the city of Naperville requires wood burning fires to be in an approved container that is 15 feet from any combustible structures. Although gas fire pits (that are less likely to spark) are not discussed, you should still confirm a required safe distance with your local council. Additionally, permanent fire pits or fireplaces will require a permit in the city of Naperville, but portable fire pits do not (making a Solus fire pit an easy choice!).

In Chicago, open burning for recreational or cooking purposes is legal, except for when it causes air pollution (as defined in the Illinois Environmental Protection Act) or wind speeds are 15 miles per hour or greater. Clean firewood, charcoal, natural gas, propane or other clean-burning gases are all acceptable forms of fuel in. Moreover, the city of Chicago states that a fire pit should be no more than 3 feet (36 inches) in diameter and 2 feet (24 inches) tall. Furthermore, outdoor fires are not allowed in open pits and they must be contained in a portable outdoor fireplace/fire pit. 

Certification:

Another important thing to consider is whether the fire pit is certified or not. In the US, the American National Standards Institute, or ANSI, is the certification standard for all consumer products from clothing to outdoor fire pits. Organisations such as this develop safety standards that assure the customer the product is safe to use, hence they are particularly important for appliances such as gas fire pits. The Canadian equivalent of ANSI is the Canadian Standards Association, or CSA. These certifications are often both used for the regulation of outdoor gas fire pits in North America, whichever you choose, you can be assured that the product is held to a high standard. Additionally, which certification is required can depend on the state or even the county you live in. Therefore, you should always confirm with your local jurisdiction the certifications they require for gas fire pits. 

Moreover, if you run a commercial business, such as a hotel, bar or restaurant, or you rent out a private property, ensuring your fire pit is certified could be extremely important. In the event of an insurance claim resulting from the fire pit, insurance companies often won’t pay out if it is not certified. Also with gas fire pits, it is important to consider whether only the burner has been certified, or if the appliance has been certified in its entirety. If the fire pit isn’t certified as a whole, this could also cause issues with insurance claims.

In conclusion, we all enjoy gathering around the fire pit and enjoying the warmth and atmosphere they provide. However, keep yourself and your family relaxed, comfortable and safe by checking your local regulations and being cautious with any recreational fire. Local government websites, fire department websites and The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency are all great resources for up to date and accurate information.