Peoria, IL Fire Regulations: Fire Pit Rules (2026)

Peoria's Open Burning Policy (revised Sept. 2019) implements Peoria Code Chapter 11, Article V and the 2018 International Fire Code adopted under Chapter 5 of the City Code. The rules distinguish three container types: outdoor fireplaces (chimineas, spark-screened decorative units) must sit at least 15 feet from structures and cannot be used on combustible decks; outdoor fire/barbecue pits must sit at least 25 feet from structures; and campfire rings require a $10 recreational burn permit obtained from the Peoria Fire Department, Fire Prevention Division at 505 NE Monroe Avenue, at least 24 hours before the planned fire. Permitted fuels are limited to seasoned dry firewood or commercially produced charcoal briquettes — yard waste, construction materials, plastics, treated lumber, and rubbish are prohibited under both Peoria's burning policy and the Illinois Environmental Protection Act open-burning prohibitions. The fire must be no larger than 3 feet diameter by 2 feet high, supervised continuously by a responsible adult, attended by an on-site extinguishing agent (hose, sand, or extinguisher), and extinguished by 11:00 p.m. with a maximum 4-hour duration. The fire must be extinguished immediately if wind speeds reach 15 mph or sustained gusts exceed 20 mph, or if smoke becomes objectionable. Burn barrels are strictly prohibited except where the Fire Chief approves a warming station for outdoor workers.