Will County, IL Fire Regulations: Fire Pits & Backyard Fires (2026)
Fire pit rules in Will County, IL, also called outdoor burning, recreational fire, or open flame ordinances, cover fuel types, clearances, and when burning is allowed.
Key Facts
- Max recreation fire size
- 6 ft by 6 ft
- Setback from structures
- 50 ft minimum
- Chimnea/patio unit setback
- 15 ft minimum
- Attendance
- Must be constantly attended
- Scope
- Unincorporated Will County only
Summary
In unincorporated Will County, recreation fires used for cooking or entertainment cannot exceed six feet by six feet and must sit at least 50 feet from any neighboring structure.
Fires shall be located not less than 50 feet, unless otherwise specifically provided for herein, from any neighboring structure, with adequate provision made to prevent spreading of the fire. Legitimate recreation fires shall be located not less than 50 feet from any neighboring structure.
(B) Burning in right-of-way is strictly prohibited.
(C) Fires contained in a “patio wood-burning unit”, being a chimnea, patio warmer or other portable wood burning device used for outdoor recreation and/or heating shall be at least 15 feet from any neighboring structure. (1980 Code, § 93.018) (Res. 85-179, passed 12-19-1985; Res. 99-210, passed 5- 20-1999; Res. 00-469, passed 11-16-2000; Res. 02-78, passed 2-21-2002; Ord. 09- 245, passed 8-20-2009) § 93.024 RECREATION FIRES. Recreation fires, being fires used to entertain or cook, may burn sticks, limbs, logs, charcoal, cooking or camping fuel only. Recreation fires may not exceed an area dimension of six feet by six feet. In conformance with §
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: 2025 S-25: Supplement contains: Local legislation current through Ordinance No. 24-100, passed 4-18-2024 and Res. 23-387, passed 11-16-2023; and State legislation approved through 2024 Pamphlet #2).
Full Breakdown
Will County Code § 93.024 limits recreation fires, those used to entertain or cook, to sticks, limbs, logs, charcoal, or cooking/camping fuel, capping the burn area at six feet by six feet; garbage, trash, lumber, building materials and tires cannot be burned in them. Section 93.023 requires fires to sit at least 50 feet from any neighboring structure, though a chimnea or other portable patio wood-burning unit only needs 15 feet of clearance. Section 93.025 requires a competent person to constantly attend the fire with a hose or extinguisher ready and to notify the local fire department before starting. These rules govern unincorporated Will County; Joliet, Bolingbrook, Romeoville, Plainfield and Lockport enforce their own municipal fire codes.
Violations & Fines
Burning waste materials, exceeding the six-by-six-foot recreation fire limit, or leaving a fire unattended violates the code; the Sheriff's office and other county enforcement departments can issue a non-traffic ticket or removal notice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit for a backyard fire in Will County?
How close can a fire pit be to my neighbor's shed in Will County?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Will County
How Will County compares: Cities with the Strictest Fire Pit Rules·Compare Will County to another location·View the Illinois fire regulations overview
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