Firepits Can Be Fun -- Or a Disaster Waiting to Happen

A firepit like this one isn’t allowed because it doesn’t have screening on all sides and the top. (Photo by Kristin Johnson via Flickr)

» Get the Dearborn Patch free daily newsletter and news alerts and like Dearborn Patch on Facebook.

There’s nothing quite like a bonfire on a crisp autumn evening, but if you live in the city of Dearborn, that’s out of the question.

“We hope people have a good time when using their fire pits correctly,” Fire Chief Joseph Murray said in a news release. “And we want everyone to be safe, so it is important to follow the rules.”

Violating the ordinance could result in a civil infraction, with a $100 fine. Three offenses in the same calendar year will be considered a misdemeanor offense.

Here’s what the ordinance requires:

• Safety starts when first selecting a fire pit, so make sure you purchase a pit made specifically for recreation, and that it has screening on all sides, including the top.

• All fire pits should be placed in the rear yard 15 feet from the nearest structure (including structures on a neighbor’s property).
• There must be a way to put out a fire quickly, so residents need a water hose, fire extinguisher or sand nearby at all times.
• The material burned must be clean wood. Fire pits are not to be used to burn garbage, wet wood, or grass. Never burn leaves in a fire pit.
• The fire should be supervised by someone 18 years or older and that person must ensure that the fire is completely extinguished before leaving the area.
• Residents should also note that fire pits may only be used between 11 a.m. and 1 a.m.
• The city ordinance governing fire pit use requires that that the smoke must not be objectionable. So make sure you do not have fires so large they produce a lot of smoke, and keep in mind wind direction when burning.
• Call 9-1-1 if a fire pit causes an immediate life or property safety issue.

For more information, call the Dearborn Fire Department Fire Marshal’s Division at (313) 943-2839.