Kokomo, IN Fire Regulations: Fire Pits & Backyard Fires (2026)

Kokomo Code of Ordinances § 100.03 bars burning rubbish, garbage, yard waste, construction material or dangerous material anywhere inside city limits at any time. Section 100.04 carves out permitted fires: subsection (A) exempts cooking fires in commercially available grills, food-preparation grills, barbecue pits built to contain fire in a non-combustible vessel, and manufactured portable outdoor fireplaces, with no prior approval required unless the Indiana Fire Code restricts a specific grill design. A separate, narrower list in subsection (B), covering Twelfth Night ceremonies, school pep rallies, scouting activity fires, and fires the Fire Chief deems necessary for public health and safety, needs the Fire Chief's prior written approval.

Those approved fires must, per subsection (C), burn only clean wood, stay attended until fully out, keep an extinguishing agent on hand, be doused if they create smoke or safety hazards, never burn during high winds or air inversions, sit a minimum of 50 feet from any combustible material or structure, stay outside 500 feet of any fuel storage area or pipeline, and never be lit in a public right-of-way. Violations of Chapter 100 carry a fine of not less than $25 and not more than $1,000 under § 100.99, with each day of continued violation a separate offense.

A cited person can pay the civil penalty at the Corporation Counsel's office within 14 days; the Kokomo Police Department, Fire Department or Building Inspector forwards the citation there within 72 hours.