Fire Pit Rules: Detroit vs Westland
How do fire pit rules rules compare between Detroit, MI and Westland, MI?
Detroit and Westland have similar restriction levels.
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 →Westland, MI
Wayne County
Westland permits residential recreational fire pits with restrictions on size, fuel type, and setbacks from structures and property lines under the city fire prevention code.
View full Westland rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Detroit | Westland |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | - |
| Max pit size | - | 3 ft diameter, 2 ft tall |
| Setback | - | 25 ft from structures |
| Approved fuel | - | Clean seasoned wood only |
| Attendance | - | Adult must supervise |
| Authority | - | Westland Fire Department |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
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.
Westland FAQ
Do I need a permit for a backyard fire pit in Westland?
No permit is required for a small recreational fire pit meeting size, fuel, and setback rules, but the fire department can order it extinguished if it becomes a nuisance.
Can I burn leaves or yard waste in my fire pit?
No. Westland prohibits burning leaves, yard waste, garbage, and construction debris. Only clean seasoned wood is allowed for recreational fires.
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