Dearborn Heights, MI Fire Regulations: Fire Pits & Backyard Fires (2026)

Under Section 307 of the Fire Prevention Code adopted by Dearborn Heights City Code Sec. 14-46(b)(13), an outdoor "recreational fire" means fuel contained in an outdoor fireplace or fire pit with a fuel area no larger than 2 feet in diameter and 1 foot in height, never left unattended. Section 307.3 allows recreational fires, barbeque grills, highway safety flares and occupational-need fires without any outdoor fire permit or advance notice to the Code Official. Any other outdoor fire, including a bonfire, needs a permit under Section 307.10 from the fire marshal's office; the city fire chief or designee must mail a decision within one week of a complete application, and the applicant is automatically entitled to the permit if the city misses that deadline.

Section 307.5 sets the setbacks: an outdoor fire pit must sit at least 25 feet from any structure, an outdoor fireplace at least 15 feet, a barbeque grill at least 15 feet (unless the manufacturer specifies a different distance in writing), and a bonfire at least 50 feet. Section 307.6 limits fuel to LP gas, natural gas, charcoal or seasoned dry firewood, ignited only with paper or charcoal lighter fluid; burning refuse, tires, furniture or construction debris is prohibited, and no outdoor fire may be used for waste disposal.

Section 307.7 requires constant attendance and an on-site fire extinguisher rated at least 4-A. Section 307.8 caps a permitted bonfire at 5 feet by 5 feet and 3 feet high, burning no longer than three hours unless the code official extends it for fire-safety reasons.