What are open burning and recreational fires?

Open Burning – burning of material where the resulting air contaminants are emitted directly into the air without first passing through a stack or chimney from an enclosed chamber.

Recreational Fire – small fire on the ground (open burning) conducted for recreational, ceremonial, or similar purposes, and which is maintained at less than three feet wide and two feet high.

Where can I legally burn outdoors?

Open Burning – Open burns must not be less than 50 feet from any structure, and provisions shall be made to prevent the fire from spreading to within 50 feet of any structure. If the fire is in an approved container, then not less than 15 feet from a structure.

Recreational Fire – must not be conducted within 25 feet of a structure or combustible material, unless conducted in a portable outdoor fireplace. Conditions which could cause a fire to spread within 25 feet of a structure must be eliminated prior to ignition.

What materials am I prohibited from burning?

Regardless of the type of fire, pursuant to the South Bend leaf burning and air pollution control ordinances (Sec.9-20 – Types of burning Prohibited):

1. No person shall start, kindle, cause, allow or maintain any form of leaf burning or rubbish or trash burning on private or public property.
2. No person shall burn or cause to be burned, any leaves, grass, tree limbs, branches, paper, rubbish or trash, upon any street, alley or sidewalk within the City.

How do I safely open burn?

Prior Notification:

Prior to commencement of open burning, the fire department must be notified. If you have questions about whether a fire is a recreational fire, you may contact the Fire Department.

Attendance At Fire:

Burning material shall be constantly attended to by a person knowledgeable in the use of the fire extinguishing equipment. A fire shall be attended at all times unless completely extinguished.

Hazardous Conditions:

The fire chief is authorized to require open burning be immediately discontinued if burning constitutes a hazardous condition.

Failing to comply with the applicable Indiana Fire Code and local ordinances could result in fines or other penalties. Any fire that creates a danger, nuisance, or hazard may be extinguished by Fire Department personnel.