General guidelines for open burning.
The fire district is not responsible for enforcing open burning laws. However, here are the general guidelines that must be followed.
- The fire must be at least 25 feet from all adjoining property lines.
- A competent person 21 years or older must be present at all times during the burning of the fire.
- Burning cannot begin before dawn and must be extinguished by dusk on the same day.
- There must be a water supply or portable fire extinguisher present for the duration of the fire.
These regulations exist for recreational fires, as well. A recreational fire is defined as an outdoor fire no greater than three feet in diameter which purpose is for cooking food meant for human consumption. These recreational fires must be extinguished by 11:59 PM on the same day it is started.
The following materials MAY NOT be burned on private property:
- Leaves or grass clippings
- Any material that emits dense or excessive smoke.
The only exception is if the fire is contained in a device such as a fireplace, freestanding unit, hearth and barbecue unit. The fire must still be supervised by someone 21 years or older, take place at least 25 feet from property lines, and occur only in daylight hours. Contact your village for questions regarding their specific open burn ordinances.
Village of Deerfield can be contacted here.
Village of Bannockburn can be contacted here.
Village of Riverwoods can be contacted here.