Fire Regulations in Des Plaines, IL (2026)
7 verified fire regulations for Des Plaines, Illinois, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Fire Pit Rules
Small recreational fires in approved containers may be allowed in Des Plaines under the Fire Code. Contact the Fire Prevention Bureau for current rules on fire pits and portable fireplaces.
Des Plaines Fire Pit & Recreational Fire Rules
Some RestrictionsFireworks
Consumer fireworks are ILLEGAL statewide in Illinois per 425 ILCS 35. Only sparklers up to 12 inches, snakes, and party poppers are permitted. Des Plaines Police enforce.
Des Plaines Fireworks Regulations
Heavy RestrictionsBrush Clearance
Des Plaines does not have a wildfire-driven brush clearance ordinance like western states. Property owners must keep vegetation maintained under the City's weeds and nuisance code (Title 4), with grass and weeds limited to 8 inches and dead trees and brush abated as a public nuisance. Riverfront properties have additional buffer rules.
Des Plaines Brush Clearance & Vegetation Maintenance
Few RestrictionsOutdoor Burning
Outdoor burning in Des Plaines is regulated under the Des Plaines Fire Code (MC Chapter 3) and Illinois EPA rules (415 ILCS 5). Refuse burning is prohibited. Recreational fires in approved containers may be allowed.
Des Plaines Outdoor Burning Regulations
Some RestrictionsWildfire Zones
Des Plaines is not located in any wildfire hazard zone. As a fully developed Chicago suburb in Cook County, the City has no wildland-urban interface designation, no state-mapped fire hazard severity zones, and no defensible-space requirements. Standard structural fire prevention applies.
Des Plaines Wildfire Zones
Few RestrictionsSmoke Detectors
Des Plaines enforces the Illinois Smoke Detector Act (425 ILCS 60/), as amended in 2023, which requires 10-year sealed-battery smoke alarms in all single-family and multi-family dwellings. Alarms must be installed inside each sleeping area, outside each sleeping area, and on every floor including the basement.
Des Plaines Smoke Detector Requirements
Heavy RestrictionsBackyard Fires
Des Plaines permits small recreational backyard fires in approved containers (fire pits or chimineas) burning only clean, seasoned firewood. Open burning of leaves, brush, or refuse is prohibited under Cook County and Illinois EPA rules. Fires must be at least 25 feet from any structure and continuously attended.
Des Plaines Backyard Fire Rules
Some RestrictionsLooking for Cook County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Des Plaines city rules.
Fire Regulations in Cook County →