Joliet, IL Fire Regulations: Fire Pits & Backyard Fires (2026)
Fire pit rules in Joliet, IL, also called outdoor burning, recreational fire, or open flame ordinances, cover fuel types, clearances, and when burning is allowed.
Key Facts
- Bonfire clearance without a pit
- 50 feet from structure/combustible material
- Compliant fire pit clearance
- 15 feet from structure or fence
- Pit construction
- Steel bottom, wire mesh sides and top
- Attendance rule
- Constantly attended, Sec. 8-288(f)
- Fine range
- $150 to $750 per offense, Sec. 1-8
Summary
Joliet allows a backyard fire in a proper fire pit but sets hard clearances: Sec. 8-288(d) requires a bonfire to stay 50 feet from a structure unless it's in a secure pit, and even a compliant fire pit must sit at least 15 feet from any structure or fence.
A bonfire shall not be conducted within 50 feet of a structure or combustible material unless the fire is contained in a secure fire pit. Outdoor fire pits shall not be located less than 15 feet away from a structure or fence and shall be supported by legs which attach to a steel bottom, with wire mesh sides and a top.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 200).
Full Breakdown
Sec. 8-288(d) of Joliet's fire prevention code sets the construction and clearance standard for backyard fire pits: "A bonfire shall not be conducted within 50 feet of a structure or combustible material unless the fire is contained in a secure fire pit. " In practice that means an open bonfire without a pit needs 50 feet of clearance from any building or combustible material, while a fire contained in a compliant steel-bottomed, mesh-sided, lidded pit only needs to sit 15 feet from a structure or fence.
The rest of Sec. 8-288 applies to fire pits as an "outdoor fire": subsection (e) makes it unlawful to deliberately or negligently set a fire, or let combustible material burn, in a way that endangers people or property, and subsection (f) requires outdoor fires to be constantly attended until extinguished, making it unlawful to leave one unattended. Subsection (b) also gives the fire code official authority to order a fire pit extinguished if it creates or adds to a hazardous situation, regardless of whether the pit itself met the setback and construction specs when it was lit.
Violations & Fines
A fire pit set up closer than 15 feet to a structure or fence, one without the required steel bottom, wire mesh sides and top, or one left unattended violates Sec. 8-288 and is punishable under the Code's general penalty in Sec. 1-8: a fine of $150.00 to $750.00 per offense, with each day of a continuing violation counted as a separate offense.
Frequently Asked Questions
How far from my house can I put a fire pit in Joliet?
Can I have an open bonfire in my backyard instead of using a pit?
Do I have to watch a fire pit while it's burning?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Joliet
How Joliet compares: Cities with the Strictest Fire Pit Rules·Compare Joliet to another location·View the Illinois fire regulations overview
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