Shelby, MI Fire Regulations: Fire Pits & Backyard Fires (2026)
Fire pit rules in Shelby, MI, also called outdoor burning, recreational fire, or open flame ordinances, cover fuel types, clearances, and when burning is allowed.
Key Facts
- Pit size limit
- No wider than 24 inches in diameter
- Wood length limit
- Natural cut wood, 24 inches or less
- Setback from combustibles
- Minimum 25 feet
- Barrel burning
- Prohibited outright
- Attendance requirement
- Fire must be attended at all times
- Adopted
- March 23, 2026, Ordinance No. 07-26
Summary
The Village of Shelby allows recreational fires only in a pit no wider than 24 inches burning natural cut wood no longer than 24 inches, kept at least 25 feet from any combustible surface. Barrel burning is banned outright, the fire must be attended at all times, and a hose or other extinguishing tool must stay within reach.
(1) Only natural cut wood no longer than 24 inches in length may be burned. ... (4) Fires must be in a pit no wider than 24 inches in diameter and it is recommended that it have brick or concrete block on the outside or the ring. A specially made above ground stand, also known as portable outdoor fireplace, may be used. ... (6) Maintain a minimum of 25 feet between the fire and any combustible surface or material, including but not limited to houses, fencing, trailers, and vehicles.
Full Breakdown
Chapter 403, Recreational Burning, adopted March 23, 2026 by Ordinance No. 07-26, sets the rules for both recreational fires and open burning within Village limits. Section 403-1(A) limits fuel to natural cut wood no longer than 24 inches, and bars burning leaves, brush, pine needles, processed lumber, varnished or painted materials, garbage, rubbish, junk, pallets, sawdust, wiring, furniture, carpeting or grass. Burning in a barrel is prohibited outright. The fire itself must sit in a pit no wider than 24 inches in diameter, with brick or concrete block recommended around the ring, or in a specially made above-ground stand, also called a portable outdoor fireplace.
Section 403-1(A)(6) requires a minimum 25-foot clearance between the fire and any combustible surface or material, expressly including houses, fencing, trailers and vehicles. The person burning must attend the fire at all times and extinguish it completely before leaving it unattended, and must keep a compatibly sized extinguishing tool on hand, such as a garden hose connected to the house and long enough to reach the fire's edge. The chapter also directs extra caution during extended dry spells or high temperatures, and requires the burner to watch wind direction and put the fire out if smoke drifts into a neighboring home.
Violations & Fines
Burning prohibited materials, using a barrel, exceeding the 24-inch pit or wood-length limits, or leaving a fire unattended without extinguishing it violates § 403-1. The Shelby-Benona Fire Department or police department can order the fire extinguished under § 403-2 for high winds, prohibited materials, a citizen complaint, an unattended fire or other safety concerns, and refusing that order draws a municipal civil infraction citation under § 403-3 and § 1-2, with the fire department extinguishing the fire regardless.
Frequently Asked Questions
How big can a fire pit be in the Village of Shelby?
How far must a fire pit be from my house or fence?
Can I burn leaves or yard waste in a fire pit?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Shelby
How Shelby compares: Cities with the Strictest Fire Pit Rules·Compare Shelby to another location·View the Michigan fire regulations overview
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