Recreational Fire Guidelines
Recreational fires are the only non-permitted outdoor fires allowed by code within the Village of Gurnee and Warren-Waukegan Fire Protection District. The following guidelines shall be followed. Please contact the Fire Marshal at 847-599-6600 should you have questions or require clarification.
- Recreational fires shall not be conducted within 25 feet of a structure or combustible material (includes wood fencing). Conditions which cause a fire to spread within 25 feet of a structure shall be eliminated prior to a fire being kindled.
- Exception: Fires in approved containers (ie: portable fire places) shall not be conducted within 15 feet of a structure or combustible material (includes wood fencing), or placed on wood decks.
- Recreational fire pits shall be no larger than 3 feet in diameter and no larger than 2 feet in height.
- Only dry, seasoned firewood shall be permitted to be burned. Green or wet firewood often creates objectionable smoke. Landscape waste, construction waste, etc. shall not be permitted to be burned.
- Recreational fires shall be constantly attended until the fire is extinguished.
- A minimum of one portable fire extinguisher with a minimum 4-A rating or other approved on-site fire-extinguishing equipment, such as dirt, sand, water barrel, garden hose or water truck, shall be available for immediate utilization.
- Recreational fires are not permitted on Village of Gurnee property or right of ways.
- Recreational fires that will be offensive or objectionable because of smoke or odor emissions when atmospheric conditions or local circumstances make such fires hazardous shall be prohibited. When wind speed or direction carries smoke or embers towards complainant, the fire shall be required to be extinguished.
- Permits are required for recognized wildlife management practices, prevention or control of disease or pests, or a bonfire. Applications for such permits may be obtained from the Fire Marshal at Gurnee Fire Station 2.
- Dial 911 to report a burning complaint.
The commanding fire officer at the scene is authorized to order the extinguishment of a fire which creates or adds to a hazardous or objectionable situation, or is in violation of the adopted codes. If the situation warrants, contact the Gurnee Police Dept. or the Lake County Sheriff’s Dept. to assist, based on the authority having jurisdiction.