Bloomington, IL Fire Regulations: Outdoor Burning (2026)

The Bloomington Fire Department enforces § 4-401 of the City Code, which prohibits burning garbage, solid waste, commercial solid waste, yard waste, household waste, junk, refuse, rubbish, construction waste, hazardous waste, buildings or structures anywhere within city limits. Outdoor grills and barbecues for cooking remain permitted, and recreational fires for pleasure, religious, ceremonial, cooking or warmth purposes are allowed only in an approved container or fire pit. A portable approved container, such as a chiminea or portable fireplace, must sit at least eight feet from a structure or public way and hold a fuel area no larger than three feet in diameter and two feet high, with wood no longer than three feet; a fixed fire pit must sit at least 25 feet from a structure or public way.

Only clean, dry firewood or charcoal may be burned; construction materials, yard waste and any flammable liquid besides commercial charcoal lighter fluid are strictly prohibited. ; it must be put out immediately if sustained winds reach 15 miles per hour or gusts reach 20 miles per hour. Bonfires are reserved for officially sponsored civic, educational and religious organization activities, not the general public: the sponsoring organization must submit a site map to the Fire Department at least seven business days ahead and obtain a burn permit at least 48 hours before lighting, keep the fuel pile within 10 feet of height and diameter, and post at least two bonfire supervisors who keep everyone else 10 feet from the fire. The Fire Chief or Police Chief may order any fire extinguished, recreational or bonfire, if it becomes a nuisance from smoke or hazardous conditions.