HomeMy Public PortalAboutRecreational Fires in the Village of Plainfield 7-15-21
Recreational Fires within the Village of Plainfield
Recreational Fires must be in compliance with Section 307 of the 2021 International Fire Code and Village of
Plainfield Ordinances. Recreational fires and open burning shall be prohibited when a Red Flag Warning is issued
for our area from the National Weather Service. Recreational fires and open burning are discouraged when it is
windy and when conditions are dry.
All recreational fires need to be located away from combustible materials. Examples of combustible materials
are fences, trees, bushes, etc. The burning of garbage, building materials, landscape waste and leaves is not
allowed. Recreational fires cannot be located within any easement and must be at least fifteen feet from your
lot line.
All recreational fires shall be constantly attended until the fire is extinguished. A minimum of one portable fire
extinguisher with at least a 4-A rating, or other approved fire extinguishing material such as dirt, sand, a water
barrel or garden hose shall be available for immediate use at all times during a recreational fire.
Use kindling to start your fire, never use an accelerant. Don’t overload your recreational fire; doing so can cause
the fire to become too large and could cause burning logs to fall out of the fire. Store ashes in a metal can with a
lid a safe distance away from combustibles. Keep children and pets at least 3 feet away from a recreational fire.
Recreational fires on the ground like a campfire shall not be conducted within 25 feet of a structure or
combustible material. Conditions that could cause a fire to spread within 25 feet of a structure shall be
eliminated prior to ignition. The recreational fire pile size cannot exceed 3 feet in diameter and 2 feet in height.
Recreational fires in portable outdoor fireplaces, metal fire pits, chimineas or similar devices shall be used in
accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions and shall not be operated within 15 feet of a structure or
combustible material.
Installation of gas fire pits and gas fireplaces require a permit from the Village of Plainfield and installed per the
manufacturer’s instructions.
All recreational fires shall be immediately extinguished if they are found to be offensive or objectionable
because of smoke or odor emissions or when atmospheric conditions or local circumstances make such fires
hazardous. For example if the smoke is causing a medical issue for a nearby resident(s) or when high winds or
dry conditions make it hazardous to have a fire.
Any recreational fire not in compliance with the above listed codes shall be immediately extinguished. Failure to
comply with the adopted ordinance can result in tickets and fines. Complaints regarding recreational fires should
be directed to the Plainfield Police Department while the fire is occurring at 815-436-2341. Additional questions
or concerns about recreational fires should be directed to the Village of Plainfield Code Enforcement Division at
815-439-4806 or the Plainfield Fire Protection District at 815-436-5335.