Waukegan, IL Fire Regulations: Fire Pits & Backyard Fires (2026)

Section 15-26 carves this exception out of the citywide ban on open burning of waste in Sec. 10-8. A portable fire pit or fireplace must stay at least five feet from any property line, while a fire pit with a foundation embedded in the ground must be set back at least ten feet. Every fireplace or fire pit has to sit on a noncombustible surface while burning, and only charcoal, natural or propane gas, commercial fire logs, or dry or seasoned firewood may be used as fuel, ruling out yard waste, trash, or treated lumber.

An adult at least 18 years old must be present in person any time the unit is burning, along with a readily available way to put the fire out, and the fire must be fully extinguished before anyone leaves it unattended; the code treats the unit as 'operating' any time open combustion is happening. The fire chief or a designee can order any fire, including a compliant one, extinguished, or can bar a type of burning outright, if it becomes a nuisance from eye or breathing irritation complaints, if atmospheric or local conditions make it hazardous, or if a resident's documented medical condition is affected. This section was added by Ordinance No. 15-O-61 in 2015 and sits alongside the separate exception for outdoor cooking grills in subsection (a).