Fishers, IN Fire Regulations: Backyard Fires (2026)

Residents of Fishers may have backyard recreational and cooking fires (such as camp fires), but they must follow the rules of the Fishers Department of Fire and Emergency Services along with Indiana's open-burning regulations (326 IAC 4-1). The fire department's permitted-burning guidance states that burning must be in a noncombustible container sufficiently vented to induce adequate primary combustion air, with enclosed sides, a bottom, and a mesh covering with openings no larger than 1 1/4 inch square. The fire must be constantly attended by at least one adult who has an attached working garden-type water hose or a 10-pound ABC fire extinguisher present. Burning is allowed only between 9:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m., must not be within 50 feet of any structure or public right-of-way, and only wood products may be burned. Open burning is absolutely prohibited in apartment complexes and mobile home parks. Under Indiana's recreational-fire exemption (326 IAC 4-1-3), the fire must be attended at all times until completely extinguished, may use only clean wood products, paper, and charcoal, may not be ignited more than two hours before the activity, and must be kept at least 500 feet from any fuel storage area or pipeline. Any fire creating an air pollution problem, a nuisance, or a fire hazard must be extinguished at the direction of the Fishers Department of Fire and Emergency Services.