Backyard fires are allowed if contained, under 3 feet in diameter, fueled by clean wood, 25 feet from structures, and attended. Cooking fires in grills are exempt from open-burn rules.
Backyard fires in Fort Wayne are regulated jointly by IDEM rule 326 IAC 4-1 (open burning) and Fort Wayne Fire Department nuisance authority. A backyard recreational fire is legal if it is contained in a non-combustible pit, chiminea, or approved device, is not larger than 3 feet in diameter, uses only clean dry firewood or manufactured logs, sits at least 25 feet from buildings, decks, fences, and overhanging trees, and is constantly attended by an adult with a charged hose or extinguisher at hand. Cooking fires in grills or smokers are considered cooking activity and do not count as open burning. Fires producing excessive smoke, burning prohibited materials, or creating a neighbor nuisance may be ordered extinguished by FWFD. Burn bans issued by Allen County override all backyard fire privileges.
Nuisance smoke, prohibited fuels, or unattended fires may result in extinguishment order and citation. Repeat nuisance fires can be charged under city code.
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