Backyard Fires: Arlington Heights vs Tinley Park
How do backyard fires rules compare between Arlington Heights, IL and Tinley Park, IL?
Arlington Heights and Tinley Park have similar restriction levels.
Arlington Heights, IL
Cook County
Arlington Heights permits backyard recreational fires in approved portable devices such as fire pits, chimineas, and fire bowls. Fires must burn only clean wood, be attended at all times, and maintain safe distances from structures and property lines.
View full Arlington Heights rules →Tinley Park, IL
Cook County
Backyard recreational fires are allowed in Tinley Park at single-family homes subject to International Fire Code limits. Fires must be in an approved container, under 3 feet by 2 feet, 25 feet from structures, burn only clean seasoned wood, and be constantly attended. Open burning of yard waste or trash is prohibited.
View full Tinley Park rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Arlington Heights | Tinley Park |
|---|---|---|
| Approved Devices | Portable fire pits, chimineas, fire bowls | - |
| Fuel | Clean seasoned wood only | - |
| Setback | 15 feet from structures | - |
| Attendance | Adult must be present at all times | Constantly attended |
| Prohibited Materials | Yard waste, trash, treated wood | - |
| Allowed | - | Recreational wood fires only |
| Size Limit | - | 3 ft diameter, 2 ft tall |
| Clearance | - | 25 ft from structures |
| Contact | - | (708) 444-5300 Fire Dept |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Arlington Heights FAQ
Can I have a fire pit in my backyard in Arlington Heights?
Yes. Commercially manufactured portable fire pits are allowed if they burn clean seasoned wood, are at least 15 feet from structures, and are attended at all times.
What can I burn in my backyard fire pit?
Only clean, dry, seasoned firewood or manufactured fire logs. Burning yard waste, trash, cardboard, or treated wood is prohibited.
Can the fire department make me put out my fire?
Yes. The Fire Department may order any recreational fire extinguished if it poses a safety hazard or generates smoke complaints from neighbors.
Tinley Park FAQ
Can I have a backyard fire in Tinley Park IL?
Yes, recreational wood fires are allowed at one- and two-family homes in approved containers, under size limits, with 25-foot clearance, and only using clean seasoned firewood.
Do I need a permit for a backyard fire in Tinley Park?
No permit is needed for a code-compliant recreational fire at a single-family home. Questions can be directed to the Fire Department at (708) 444-5300.
What can't I burn in a Tinley Park backyard?
Leaves, yard waste, trash, construction debris, and any refuse are prohibited. Only clean seasoned firewood may be burned, and smoke must not create a neighbor nuisance.
Compare other topics
See how Arlington Heights and Tinley Park compare on other ordinance categories.
Want to add a third city?
Use our full comparison tool to compare up to three cities.
Open Comparison Tool