Bonfires/Recreational Fires/Outdoor Fireplaces

Bonfires – Bonfires inside or outside of the DSD areas require a permit, a site inspection and County approval by the department. Groups or persons wishing to have a bonfire can complete the Application for Open Burning Permit online and mail it or deliver it in person to our office. Approved bonfire permits require that the bonfire be located at least 50 feet from any structure on the permitee’s property and not less than 300 feet from any structure on adjacent property. Bonfires shall be constantly attended until the fire is extinguished. On-site fire extinguishing equipment, such as dirt, sand, water barrel, and garden hose shall be available for immediate use. Other conditions may be established as determined during the permit review and approval process.

Recreational fires are defined as an outdoor fire burning materials other than rubbish where the fire is not contained in an incinerator, outdoor fireplace or fire pit and has a total area of 3 feet or less in diameter and 2 feet or less in height for pleasure, religious, ceremonial, cooking, warmth or similar purposes. The fire shall not be conducted within 25 feet of a structure or combustible materials (i.e., decks, fences, etc.). Conditions which could cause a fire to spread within 25 feet of a structure shall be eliminated prior to ignition. Recreational fires shall be constantly attended until the fire is extinguished. On-site fire extinguishing equipment, such as dirt, sand, water barrel, and garden hose shall be available for immediate use.

Portable outdoor fireplaces are defined as portable, outdoor, solid fuel burning fireplaces that may be constructed of steel, concrete, clay or other noncombustible material. A portable outdoor fireplace may be open in design, or may be equipped with a small hearth opening and a short chimney or chimney opening in the top. This includes devices which are typically known as fire pits. The public should be advised that they follow the manufacturer’s instructions. Portable outdoor fireplaces shall be constantly attended until the fire is extinguished. Approved on-site fire extinguishing equipment, such as dirt, sand, water barrel, and garden hose shall be available for immediate use.