Do I need a permit to have an outdoor fire?

It depends on what you’re planning to burn. The Town of Normal allows outdoor fires without permits under two conditions: Cooking fires and Recreational Fires. Cooking fires are allowed under the following conditions: (1) The fire is built in a fireplace, or grill; (2) The fire is used for cooking purposes only; (3) The fire is kept under competent and continuous supervision; (4) All flammable and combustible material not used as fuel for the fire is removed a sufficient distance from the fire so as not to constitute a hazard; (5) All fires and coals are thoroughly extinguished after the use thereof has been completed; and (6) Only clean, dry firewood or charcoal may be used for cooking fires. Construction materials or yard waste are strictly prohibited. The use of flammable or combustible liquids, other than commercially produced charcoal lighter fluid, to start the fire is strictly prohibited. Recreational fires are allowed under the following conditions: (1) The fire is in a commercially available portable fireplace, a chiminea, a permanent outdoor fireplace constructed of stone or firebrick, or in an approved fire pit. For purposes of this Section, an approved fire pit shall be bare ground with no vegetation no less than fifteen feet in diameter. (2) Only clean, dry firewood may be used for recreational fires. Construction materials or yard waste is strictly prohibited. The use of flammable or combustible liquids, other than commercially produced charcoal lighter fluid, to start the fire is strictly prohibited. (3) The fire is kept under competent and continuous supervision. (4) All flammable and combustible material not used as fuel for the fire is removed a sufficient distance from the fire so as not to constitute a hazard. (5) All fires and coals are thoroughly extinguished after the use thereof has been completed. (6) No fire shall exceed three feet in diameter or two feet in height. (7) No fire in an approved container (portable fireplace or chiminea) shall be located within 8 feet of a building. No fire in a fire pit shall be located within 25 feet of a building. (8) At least one functioning, portable fire extinguisher with a 4-A rating shall be outside and available for immediate use at all times when the fire is burning, or a functional garden hose attached to a functional water source. (9) No recreational fires are permitted between the hours of 11:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. (10) No recreational fire shall be permitted when the Fire Chief or his designee has issued an order banning all recreational fires. The Fire Chief may issue an order banning all recreational or special event fires when wind conditions or drought create a significant risk of fire spreading beyond the recreational or special event fire. (11) All recreational fires shall be extinguished when repeated wind gusts in excess of 20 miles per hour are presented or when there is sustained wind in excess of 15 miles per hour. For further details, refer to section 6.4-17 of the Town of Normal Municipal Code "OPEN BURNING & PERMIT SYSTEM."

Municipal Code - Chapter 6

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1. How do I schedule a tour of a fire station?
2. My Carbon Monoxide alarm is beeping. What should I do?
3. Where should I install the smoke alarms in my home?
4. Will NFD check my child's car seat to make sure it's safe?
5. Do I need a permit to have an outdoor fire?
6. I called for an ambulance; why did you send a fire engine too?
7. A member of my household has a functional need. What should I do to help out emergency response?
8. I have questions about my ambulance bill. Whom should I contact?
9. What’s the difference between a fire engine and a fire truck?
10. How can I become a Normal Firefighter/Paramedic?
11. Why are fire engines red?
12. How can I get information on breaking news and emergencies?
13. How often is my business inspected by the fire department?
14. How do I know if my smoke alarm is working?
15. How do I schedule fire safety presentations for my school or organization?
16. Why do firefighters wear red suspenders?
17. Every time I cook, my smoke alarm goes off. What should I do?
18. What is a Knox Box? Do I need one?
19. How long do I have to correct violations on a commercial fire inspection?
20. Will I get a fine if my fire alarm goes off and there isn't a fire?