To have a backyard fire in Romeoville, there are some rules that must be followed to ensure a safe, legal, and enjoyable time with your outdoor fireplace.
- The fire must be in an enclosed masonry fireplace with a chimney and a burn area no larger than three feet by three feet or in a free-standing fireplace that uses a screen and lid to contain and enclose the fire and logs.
- Open burning is not allowed in Romeoville.
- Only aged logs, which are logs that have been dried out for 6 months, may be burned.
- All fireplaces must be no less than ten feet from the nearest portion of any structure or tree, cannot be located underneath an overhanging portion of a structure or tree regardless of height, and cannot be placed on a combustible deck or flooring.
- No fireplaces should be used when winds exceed 15 miles per hour.
- All manufacturer guidelines should be followed.
- Once a fire starts, the lid and screen of the fireplace should not be removed until the fire is extinguished.
- No object should protrude from the lid or screen while a fire is burning.
Fire Pit Safety Best Practices
- Have a three-foot area around the fireplace that is kept free of kids and pets.
- Never wear loose fitting clothing that can be ignited.
- Never use gasoline or lighter fluid to start or relight a fire.
- Never leave a fire pit unattended.
- When the fire is over...
• If it is a gas lit fireplace, be sure to turn off the fuel source.
• If it is a wood burning fireplace, dispose of the ashes when they have cooled. - Dump ashes into a metal container with a tight-fitting lid and store them away from anything that can catch fire.