DuPage County, IL Fire Regulations: Fire Pits & Backyard Fires (2026)
Fire pit rules in DuPage County, IL, also called outdoor burning, recreational fire, or open flame ordinances, cover fuel types, clearances, and when burning is allowed.
Key Facts
- Approved Fuel
- Clean, dry seasoned firewood
- Prohibited Materials
- Grass, brush, treated wood
- Containment
- Fire pit, grill, recognized
- Supervision
- Constant adult when flames
- Waste Disposal
- Not for garbage/debris
- Smoke Limit
- Excessive smoke prohibited
Summary
DuPage County permits recreational fires in unincorporated areas only if they use clean, seasoned firewood, are contained in a fire pit or grill, and remain under constant adult supervision. Burning landscape waste, garbage, treated wood, or construction debris in a fire pit is prohibited under Sections 30-17 and 30-26 of the County Code.
Fuel for a Recreational fire shall be limited to the burning of clean, seasoned, dry firewood. A Recreational fire shall not be used to dispose of any garbage, debris, refuse or waste (including landscape waste). "Controlled burn" means a fire contained by fire pit, grill or other recognized containment method, and which is under constant, direct adult supervision at all times.
Full Breakdown
DuPage County defines a recreational fire as "an outdoor open fire for entertainment, leisure or cooking purposes" that does not require a government permit, provided it complies with the limitations in County Code Sections 30-17 and 30-26. The fire must be a controlled burn physically contained by a fire pit, grill, or other recognized containment method, and must remain under constant, direct adult supervision at all times that flames or glowing embers are visibly present.
Only clean, seasoned, dry firewood may be burned -- including dried logs and dried branches without leaves or greenery. Grass, brush, roots, construction materials, treated woods, plywood, and pressure-treated wood are expressly prohibited because they produce excessive smoke, cinders, or toxic emissions. Recreational fires may not be used to dispose of garbage, debris, refuse, or any form of landscape waste; that activity falls under the open-burning prohibition in Section 30-17.
Violations & Fines
A violation of Sections 30-17 or 30-26 carries a fine between $500 and $1,000 per offense. Courts may also order the offender to remove or properly dispose of any yard waste or debris that was illegally burned, and to pay supervision costs. Each day of continuing violation may be charged as a separate offense.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are backyard fire pits legal in unincorporated DuPage County?
Can I burn leaves or brush in my fire pit in DuPage County?
Do I need a permit for a backyard fire pit in DuPage County?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in DuPage County
How DuPage County compares: Cities with the Strictest Fire Pit Rules·Compare DuPage County to another location·View the Illinois fire regulations overview
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