For residents looking to cozy up to fire pits this fall, the Dearborn Fire Department has issued a reminder of the city’s open fire rules.

The department has laid out a series of rules in compliance with the International Fire Code and Dearborn ordinance:

• The fire pit must have screening on all sides, including the top.
• The fire must be constantly attended.
• The fire must be completely extinguished after use.
• If there is objectionable smoke, the fire must be extinguished.
• If wind direction causes the smoke to invade neighboring structures, the fire must be extinguished.
• Fire extinguishing mediums must be provided. These can include an appropriate fire extinguisher, garden hose, dirt or sand.
• Fire pits must not be located within 15 feet of a structure.
• Wood must be clean, not creosote-laden. No construction materials or trash can be burned.
• Leaves – or any other material besides clean wood - must not be burned under any circumstances.

“When in doubt, put it out”

The Dearborn Fire Department urges residents to follow a simple rule whenever they are uncertain if a fire complies with these guidelines. “When in doubt, put it out.”

The rules apply to all recreational fires and open burning. Any fires outside of the parameters above must be pre-approved by the Dearborn Fire Department.