Small backyard recreational fires are legal without a permit in McHenry County. A larger ceremonial fire or bonfire, meaning anything over 3'x3'x3', requires a free permit from the County Department of Health. Cities may set stricter rules.
The county allows temporary outdoor recreational fires (warmth, cooking, non-ceremonial) up to 3'x3'x3' with no permit. A ceremonial fire, defined as an outdoor fire larger than 3'x3'x3' used for entertainment as part of a scheduled public or private event, requires a permit from the McHenry County Department of Health (no fee). Recreational and ceremonial fires may not burn leaves, grass, or shrubbery clippings. Keep fires attended, away from structures and property lines, and fully extinguished before leaving. Where a municipality imposes more stringent restrictions, the stricter rule controls. Call the Department of Health at (815) 334-4585 for a bonfire permit.
Unpermitted bonfires and unlawful burning are public-health nuisances subject to citation, orders to extinguish, and enforcement by local fire protection districts.
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See how McHenry County's backyard fires rules stack up against other locations.
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