McHenry County, IL Fire Regulations: Outdoor Burning (2026)

Section 8.04.090 of the McHenry County Public Health Ordinance regulates open burning countywide outside incorporated towns. The prohibition in § 8.04.090(B)(2) bars open burning of landscape waste within 100 feet of a habitable structure, within 50 feet of any non-habitable structure, and bans burning manure, garbage, litter or any material other than landscape waste and brush anywhere in the County. Where burning is allowed, § 8.04.090(B)(3)(c) restricts it to the property where the waste was generated, to weekends between dawn and dusk, and only during October, November, April and May; it may not proceed in winds over 10 miles per hour, must use only dry landscape waste or brush, and can't happen on a road, alley, sidewalk, easement, or anywhere it creates a visibility hazard for traffic, railroads or airfields. Every fire needs a supervisor at least 18 years old and a fire extinguisher, hose or other water source on site under § 8.04.090(B)(4).

The Ordinance carves out exceptions in § 8.04.090(B)(1): prescribed ecological burns, habitat-reclamation burns, firefighter training, small recreational fires in a fireplace or contained outdoor burner, and recreational fires of brush are exempt from the distance and seasonal limits. A ceremonial fire or bonfire needs advance notice to the local fire protection district and a permit from the McHenry County Department of Health filed at least two business days ahead; skipping either is itself a violation. The County Board Chairman may suspend all open burning during emergencies or fire-safety conditions under § 8.04.090(B)(2)(d).