Plainfield Fire Dept: Keep Recreational Fires Safe — and Legal

Every year recreational fires grow in popularity — but along with the increased enjoyment of recreational fires come questions about what is actually allowed.  There are some differences for residents within city or village limits and for residents in unincorporated areas. 

For residents of the Plainfield Fire Protection District that live within the Village of Plainfield, recreational fires cannot be located within 25 feet of a structure or combustible material. Examples of structures and combustible materials include homes, garages, sheds, fences, trees and bushes.  

Recreational fire pile sizes cannot exceed 3 feet in diameter and 2 feet in height. If your lot is not large enough to provide the 25 foot distance needed then you will need to use an approved container for your recreational fire. 

Recreational fires in approved containers cannot be located within 15 feet of a structure or combustible material. Examples of approved containers include portable metal fire pits and chimineas. For Plainfield Fire Protection District residents within the City of Crest Hill, be aware that all recreational fires within the City of Crest Hill must be in an approved container per city ordinance. The burning of garbage, building materials, landscape waste and leaves is not allowed within village or city limits.  

Complaints regarding recreational fires should be directed to the appropriate police department while the fire is burning. Failure to comply with the above listed rules can result in tickets and fines.

Rules for unincorporated areas

For residents of the Plainfield Fire Protection District that reside in unincorporated areas, most of the same rules apply however there are some differences.  

Recreational fires cannot be located within 50 feet of a structure. "Structure" means any and all buildings, whether structured on a foundation or mobile, including houses, garages, sheds, trailers and pole barns. The recreational fire pile size cannot exceed 6 feet in diameter and 6 feet in height.  

Recreational fires in approved containers cannot be located within 15 feet of a structure.  Examples of approved containers include portable metal fire pits and chimineas.  

The burning of garbage, building materials and wastes is not allowed. In some more rural unincorporated areas onsite generated landscape waste can be burned.  Complaints regarding recreational fires should be directed to the appropriate county sheriff’s office while the fire is burning.  

Failure to comply with the above listed rules can result in tickets and fines.  Unincorporated Will County residents should contact the Will County Land Use Department, Resource Recovery and Energy Division, at 815-727-8834, or the Will County Sheriff’s Office at 815-727-8575 for specific questions.  

Unincorporated Kendall County residents should contact the Kendall County Health Department, Environmental Health Unit at 630-553-8026 for specific questions.

Fire codes and ordinances require that all recreational fires be constantly attended by an adult until extinguished. A minimum of one portable fire extinguisher with at least a 4-A rating, or sand, water barrel or a charged garden hose shall be available for immediate use at all times during the recreational fire.  

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. Examples include instances where the smoke is causing a medical issue for a nearby resident or when high winds or dry conditions make it hazardous to have a fire. Recreational fires cannot be located within any easement or right of way and must be at least 15 feet from your lot lines.

Other safety tips

Some additional recreational fire safety tips to keep in mind include using kindling to start your fire, never use an accelerant. Only use seasoned hardwoods. Don’t overload your recreational fire; doing so can cause the fire to become too large which could cause burning logs to fall out of the fire. 

Please keep children and pets at least 3 feet away from the recreational fire.  

Remember if your clothing catches on fire to immediately stop, drop to the ground, cover your face with your hands, and roll over and over until the fire is put out.  Always store ashes in a metal can with a metal lid away from structures and combustible materials.