Open Burning regulations

Open burning regulations within the Village of Bartlett: 

Recreational fires, when performed safely and within established guides, can be a very enjoyable outdoor activity. However, failure to follow guidelines may lead to potentially hazardous conditions. In many cases, when the following regulations are not adhered to, it leads to objectionable smoke which causes neighbors to call 911. The Bartlett Fire Protection District is authorized to order the extinguishment of open burning that creates or adds to a hazardous or objectionable situation.

  • It is unlawful to burn any scrap, clothing, trash, refuse, garbage or other organic refuse or waste material outside of any building or dwelling at any time in the Village
  • Burning of weeds, grass, leaves, or other combustible material only allowed with permit application through Village President
  • No burning allowed when winds exceed 5 mph or when the Weather Bureau has issued a high air pollution potential advisory
  • The burning of fuels for legitimate campfire or cooking purposes is allowed:

Note:    Burning of fuels for a legitimate campfire, cooking or recreational purposes refers to the use of gases such as propane, natural gas or other clean-burning liquid gases and charcoal that are commonly used in outdoor cooking appliances, and dried firewood for campfire or recreational purposes.

  • Open burning that is offensive or objectionable because of smoke or odor emission or when atmospheric conditions or local circumstances make such fires hazardous shall be prohibited.
  • Separation requirements:
  • Open burning (bonfires): 50 ft from a structure or combustible material
  • Recreational fire (not to exceed 3 ft in diameter and 2 ft in height): 25 ft from a structure or combustible material
  • Fire in an approved container: 15 ft from a structure or combustible material

*     Fire shall be constantly attended until extinguished and fire extinguishment capability present – water, extinguisher, hose, etc.

Open burning regulations within unincorporated DuPage County: 

  • Unlawful to allow any open and uncontrolled burning of landscape waste.
  • Burning for habitat and fire management and one-time bonfires for special events are allowed. Permits are required and may be obtained from the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency, Bureau of Air. Please call (217) 782-2113 for further information.
  • Occasional recreational fires such as barbeques, campfires and fire pits when used for cooking purposes are allowed. Only clean dried firewood is allowed to be burned. Burning of leaves, shrubbery, grass and construction wood is never allowed for this purpose. The County regulates what is burned, not the container used to burn-in.

Open burning regulations within unincorporated Cook County:

  • Open burning of landscape waste, including leaves, is allowed only under the following conditions:
  • the burn is on the premises on which such waste was generated: and
  • when atmospheric conditions will readily dissipate contaminants: and
  • if such burning does not create a visibility hazard on roadways, railroad tracks, or airfields: and
  • open burning is not allowed in unincorporated areas within 1,000 feet of a prohibiting municipality.

PERMIT: Cook County Department of Environment and Sustainability (CCDEC) requires an open burning permit for the burning of all types of landscape waste except leaves.