Fire Pit Rules: Dearborn vs Detroit
How do fire pit rules rules compare between Dearborn, MI and Detroit, MI?
Dearborn and Detroit have similar restriction levels.
Dearborn, MI
Wayne County
Dearborn permits recreational fire pits on private residential property when used with clean dry wood, kept a safe distance from structures, and never left unattended per the adopted International Fire Code.
View full Dearborn rules →Detroit, MI
Wayne County
Detroit regulates recreational fires under the Detroit Fire Prevention and Protection Code (City Code Chapter 19), which adopts NFPA 1 Fire Code with local amendments. Open Burning and Outdoor Fire Activities are covered in Division 5 of the chapter. A 'campfire' is defined as an outdoor fire in a fire pit for recreation or cooking — not for waste disposal — and may only burn clean wood.
View full Detroit rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Dearborn | Detroit |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum clearance | 15 feet from structures | - |
| Fuel allowed | Clean seasoned wood only | - |
| Supervision | Adult attendance required | - |
| Suppression | Hose or extinguisher on site | - |
| Code basis | International Fire Code (MCL 29.1) | - |
| City Code | - | Chapter 19 - Fire Prevention and Protection |
| Section | - | Division 5 - Open Burning / Outdoor Fire |
| Adopted Standard | - | NFPA 1 Fire Code (2015 ed.) |
| Campfire Definition | - | Pit fire for recreation/cooking only |
| Fuel | - | Clean wood only - no waste or trash |
| Enforcement | - | Detroit Fire Marshal |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Dearborn FAQ
Can I burn leaves in a fire pit in Dearborn?
No. Only clean, seasoned firewood is allowed. Burning leaves, yard waste, or garbage is prohibited under the fire code and EGLE open burning rules.
Do I need a permit for a backyard fire pit?
A permit is not required for small recreational fires in a proper container, but commercial or ceremonial open burns need Fire Department approval.
Detroit FAQ
Are backyard fire pits legal in Detroit, MI?
Yes. Chapter 19 Division 5 of the Detroit City Code recognizes campfires in a fire pit for recreation or cooking, provided only clean wood is burned, the fire is attended, and it does not create a nuisance or excessive smoke. The fire must not be used to dispose of waste.
What can I burn in a Detroit fire pit?
Only clean wood. Detroit's open-burning code prohibits burning trash, leaves, treated or painted lumber, plastics, and other waste. Michigan's statewide solid waste law also bans open burning of yard waste in cities over 7,500 population, which includes Detroit.
Do I need a permit for a recreational fire in Detroit?
Standard recreational campfires in a fire pit do not require an individual permit under Chapter 19, but the fire must meet Division 5 requirements (clean wood, attended, no nuisance). Larger bonfires or any burning for waste disposal are not permitted in Detroit.
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