Oakland County, MI Fire Regulations: Fire Pit Rules (2026)

Michigan Administrative Code R 336.1310 (the EGLE open-burning rule) exempts recreational fires from the general open-burn prohibition, allowing 'logs, brush, charcoal, and similar materials that are used in preparing food or for recreation.' However, the same rule states that the exemption 'does not authorize open burning if prohibited by local law or regulation,' meaning each Oakland County municipality controls fire pit use. Royal Oak (Chapter 340, Fire Prevention) bans wood-burning fire pits and portable fireplaces, allowing only natural gas, propane, and commercial charcoal for outdoor cooking. Bloomfield Hills (Chapter 6) caps fire pits at four feet in diameter, height, and length, requires dry seasoned firewood only, and bans burning leaves, lawn waste, or refuse. Bloomfield Township requires a burn permit. Farmington Hills prohibits all wood burning including pits and chimineas. The International Fire Code, adopted by most Oakland County communities, sets a minimum 25-foot setback for recreational fires from structures and limits pile size to 3 feet diameter by 2 feet tall (IFC 307.4.2).