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St. Clair County, IL Fire Regulations: Fire Pits & Backyard Fires (2026)

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 2026

Fire pit rules in St. Clair County, IL, also called outdoor burning, recreational fire, or open flame ordinances, cover fuel types, clearances, and when burning is allowed.

Key Facts

Adopted code
2012 International Fire Code
Recreational fire setback
25 feet from structures
Portable fireplace setback
15 feet from structures
Fuel area limit
3 ft wide, 2 ft high
Attendance
Must be attended until out

Summary

St. Clair County enforces the 2012 International Fire Code. Recreational fire pits must stay at least 25 feet from any structure or combustible material; manufactured portable outdoor fireplaces must stay 15 feet away. Fires must be attended at all times with a way to extinguish them close by.

These county ordinances apply to unincorporated areas of St. Clair County. Incorporated cities within the county may have their own rules that take precedence over county-level regulations.

Recreational fires shall not be conducted within 25 feet (7620 mm) of a structure or combustible material. Portable outdoor fireplaces shall be used in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions and shall not be operated within 15 feet (3048 mm) of a structure or combustible material.

View official code

Full Breakdown

The county's Building Regulations adopt the International Fire Code, which governs outdoor recreational fires and portable fireplaces. A recreational fire is defined as an outdoor fire with a fuel area of 3 feet or less in diameter and 2 feet or less in height. Such fires cannot be conducted within 25 feet of a structure or combustible material. Manufactured portable outdoor fireplaces (chimineas, steel bowls) must be used per manufacturer instructions and kept 15 feet from combustibles. Inside incorporated cities, the local fire department's adopted code and any burn permit rules control. Always confirm no local burn ban is in effect.

Violations & Fines

Fire-code violations are enforced by the fire official, who may order the fire extinguished; unpermitted or unsafe burning can bring citations and county fire-code penalties.

Frequently Asked Questions

How far must my fire pit be from the house?
Under the adopted International Fire Code, a recreational fire pit must be at least 25 feet from any structure or combustible material; a manufactured portable outdoor fireplace must be at least 15 feet away.
Do I need a permit for a backyard fire pit?
Small recreational fires within the size limits generally need no permit, but you must follow county fire-code setbacks and any local burn ban. Larger open burns and bonfires require approval.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in St. Clair County

Fence Regulations: Height LimitsSome RestrictionsOutdoor BurningSome RestrictionsPropane StorageSome RestrictionsSmoke DetectorsSome RestrictionsFireworksSome RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Aircraft NoiseSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Driveway RulesSome RestrictionsFence Regulations: Material RestrictionsSignificant RestrictionsFence Regulations: Retaining WallsSome RestrictionsFence Regulations: Fence Permit RequirementsSome Restrictions

All St. Clair County rules

How St. Clair County compares: Cities with the Strictest Fire Pit Rules·Compare St. Clair County to another location·View the Illinois fire regulations overview

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