Backyard Fires: Bolingbrook vs Joliet
How do backyard fires rules compare between Bolingbrook, IL and Joliet, IL?
Bolingbrook, IL
Will County
No data available yet for Bolingbrook.
Joliet, IL
Will County
Open burning is prohibited in Joliet; only commercially manufactured steel outdoor fire pits with legs, a steel bottom, wire-mesh sides, and a top are allowed. Approved fire pits must sit at least 15 feet from any structure or fence, a fire extinguisher or charged garden hose must be on hand, and the fire must be extinguished immediately if a neighbor complains of smoke, sparks, or odor.
View full Joliet rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Bolingbrook | Joliet |
|---|---|---|
| Open Burning | - | Prohibited |
| Approved Device | - | Steel pit w/ mesh + top |
| Min Setback | - | 15 ft from structure/fence |
| Allowed Fuel | - | Wood logs / artificial logs |
| Code Reference | - | IFC Section 307 |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Bolingbrook FAQ
No FAQs available.
Joliet FAQ
Can I have a backyard fire pit at my Joliet home?
Yes, but only a commercially manufactured steel outdoor fire pit with legs, a steel bottom, wire-mesh sides, and the top in place during burning is allowed. The pit must sit at least 15 feet from any structure or fence, you must keep a fire extinguisher or charged garden hose available, and you can only burn wooden logs or artificial logs that fit inside the mesh. Open ground fires and homemade pits are prohibited under Joliet's adoption of IFC Section 307.
Can I burn leaves or yard waste in my Joliet backyard?
No. Burning leaves, garbage, wooden pallets, treated deck wood, and dimensional lumber is prohibited as fuel in approved fire pits, and the Illinois Environmental Protection Act (415 ILCS 5) bars open burning of landscape waste in non-rural areas. Joliet directs residents to use curbside yard-waste collection. Violators can receive a citation from Joliet Police or Fire under IFC Section 307 and possible IEPA enforcement.
Compare other topics
See how Bolingbrook and Joliet 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