Fire Pit Rules: Kentwood vs Wyoming
How do fire pit rules rules compare between Kentwood, MI and Wyoming, MI?
Wyoming has fewer restrictions than Kentwood.
Kentwood, MI
Kent County
In Kent County, MI parks, Section 14 of the Kent County Parks & Recreation Regulations prohibits building, causing to be built, or setting any fire except within established barbecue grills. Fires may not be left unattended and must be thoroughly extinguished before leaving the site. The regulations were originally approved February 10, 2020 and most recently amended September 6, 2021. There is no county-wide fire-pit or open-burning ordinance for private property in Kent County — those rules are set by each township.
View full Kentwood rules →Wyoming, MI
Kent County
Wyoming regulates recreational fires under Section 30-35 of the City Code and the Michigan-adopted International Fire Code (PA 230 of 1972). Fires must burn only clean wood or solid fuel in an approved container with an 18-inch non-combustible barrier, sit at least 20 feet from combustibles and lot lines, and be constantly attended with a hose or extinguisher ready. Fire rings are prohibited.
View full Wyoming rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Kentwood | Wyoming |
|---|---|---|
| - | - | |
| Governing Code | - | Wyoming Code Sec. 30-35 |
| State Authority | - | PA 230 of 1972 (Michigan IFC) |
| Container | - | Approved fire pit/bowl required |
| Setback | - | 20 ft from combustibles + lot lines |
| Barrier | - | 18 in non-combustible perimeter |
| Fire Rings | - | Prohibited |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Kentwood FAQ
Can I bring a portable fire pit or chiminea to a Kent County park?
No. Section 14 of the Kent County Parks & Recreation Regulations limits fires in county parks to "established barbecue grills" — meaning grills installed by the Kent County Parks Department at designated picnic and shelter areas. Portable fire pits, chimineas, freestanding fire rings, and open campfires are not permitted in Kent County parks.
Does Kent County, MI have a fire-pit ordinance for my backyard?
No. Kent County has no county-wide ordinance regulating fire pits, recreational fires, or open burning on private property. Those rules are set at the township or city level. For example, Charter Township of Grand Rapids Ordinance No. 486 governs recreational fires in that township. Check with your specific township or city office for the rules that apply to your address.
Do I have to put out my barbecue grill before leaving a Kent County park?
Yes. Section 14 of the County Park Regulations states that "no person shall leave any fire, and all such fires shall be thoroughly extinguished prior to leaving the site." Coals must be cold to the touch before you leave the park.
What happens if I light an unauthorized fire in a Kent County park?
Under Section 30 (Violations), Kent County Parks Department staff or law enforcement will ask you to leave the park. If you refuse to leave when directed, you commit criminal trespassing under Michigan law (MCL 750.552). Depending on the circumstances, township fire-code or state open-burning citations may also apply.
Wyoming FAQ
Are backyard fire pits legal in Wyoming, MI?
Yes. Under City Code Section 30-35, a recreational fire is allowed if it is in an approved container (not a ground fire ring), sits at least 20 feet from combustibles and lot lines, has an 18-inch non-combustible barrier, burns only clean wood, and is constantly attended with a hose or extinguisher ready.
What can I burn in a Wyoming, MI fire pit?
Only clean wood or other clean solid fuel. Burning yard waste, leaves, garbage, treated wood, plastics, or construction debris is prohibited under Section 30-35 and the Michigan EGLE open-burning rule for cities over 7,500 population.
Are fire rings allowed in Wyoming, MI?
No. Per Section 30-35 as published by the Wyoming Fire Department, fire rings are explicitly prohibited. Only manufactured, approved containers such as metal fire pits, bowls, fireplaces, or chimineas are permitted.
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