Recreational backyard fires in Wayne County cities are allowed with clean firewood only. Fires must be 15 feet from structures, under 3 feet diameter, and attended. Detroit restricts fires during air quality alerts.
Backyard recreational fires are permitted in most Wayne County cities under the general exception to the open burning ban for small recreational fires. The Michigan Fire Prevention Code (MCL 29.1) and International Fire Code adopted by most cities require recreational fires to use only clean dry seasoned firewood, charcoal, or approved manufactured logs. Pressure-treated wood, painted wood, leaves, and trash are never allowed. Typical restrictions include a maximum pile diameter of 3 feet, maximum height of 2 feet, minimum setback of 15 feet from any structure or combustible material, and constant adult supervision with water or extinguisher nearby. Portable outdoor fireplaces and chimineas on patios typically need only 10 feet of clearance. Detroit and Wayne County issue air quality alerts in summer and during winter inversions when recreational fires may be temporarily prohibited. Smoke that creates a nuisance for neighbors is a violation regardless of fuel type.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
See how Wayne County's backyard fires rules stack up against other locations.
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