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Open Burning

Open Burning is dictated by the local laws and ordinances of each village or county, units of local government also have the authority to impose leaf-burning bans. Permission by the local fire department is also required for open burning of leaves, twigs, and small branches.

Illegal Open Burning


A citation for illegal fires may be issued by the Lake County Sheriff Deputies, municipal code officials in the appropriate village, and/or the Long Grove Fire Protection District. Citations can be as much as $500.00 per violation.

Area Village Rules

Long Grove—Burning of leaves or grass clippings is NOT permitted. Burning of twigs, branches and small trees is permitted. With a permit, prairie conservation areas are allowed to be burned in a controlled manner.

Hawthorn Woods—Open Burning is NOT permitted. Outdoor Fireplaces & Fire Pits are permitted only when firewood is used for recreational purposes in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions. With a permit, prairie conservation areas are allowed to be burned in a controlled manner.

Kildeer—Landscape waste other than leaves or grass clipping can be burned. This burning shall be from April 15 – May 30 and October 15 – November 30. Burning can be done from 7:00 a.m. to dusk.

Deer Park—Only leaves, branches and sticks are permitted to be burned during 2 periods a year. Spring burning is permitted April 1st through May 31st. Fall burning is permitted October 15th through November 30th, provided, however, burning shall be prohibited on any October 31 if it falls on a Saturday or Sunday

During these times, only leaves, branches and sticks are permitted to be burned only on Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Lincolnshire—Open Burning is NOT permitted. Outdoor Fireplaces & Fire Pits are permitted only when firewood is used for recreational purposes in accordance with the manufacturers instructions.

Unincorporated Lake County—Burning of leaves and small branches are permitted during daylight hours. Open Burning must be 25’ from any structure and 50’ from schools & roads. Absolutely no burning on roads. The burning of landscape waste must be generated on the property. The maximum size of any burn pile is 5’ in diameter and 3’ high.

Open Burning Dos and Don'ts

  • Burning must take place during the daylight hours only.
  • The best time of the day to burn is the mid-morning to mid-afternoon as smoke should disperse quicker.
  • Open burning must be attended by an adult at all times.
  • A water source of some sort must be provided. (hose or a fire extinguisher)
  • Open burning must be 25’ from any structures. (50’ from schools & roads—NOT in Road)
  • The maximum size of any burn pile is 5’ in diameter and 3’ high.
  • Materials being burned are limited to landscape waste generated on the property of the burn site.
  • Burning trash or construction debris is strictly prohibited.
  • DO NOT use gasoline as a fire starter. It is explosively dangerous!
  • Wind velocity must exceed 5 MPH and must not exceed 15 MPH.
  • Smoke from open burning shall not obstruct visibility on roadways, etc.
  • Fire or smoke must not create a hazard or a nuisance situation. Be courteous and respectful to your neighbors especially those with breathing problems.
  • Dispose of ashes by drowning them and placing them in a metal can.
  • Outdoor grills and metal fire pits are limited to recreation and cooking fires.