Safety Tips

Open Burning Regulations

By April 5, 2013November 9th, 2023No Comments

Open Burning Regulations

Please notify Countryside Dispatch (non-emergency) at (847) 362-5224 before doing any burning.

Jurisdiction Regulations
Village of Vernon Hills Open burning is NOT permitted. Outdoor fireplaces and fire pits are permitted only when firewood is used for recreational purposes in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.
Village of Long Grove The burning of leaves, grass clippings or construction debris 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.
Village of Hawthorn Woods Open burning is NOT permitted. Outdoor fireplaces and 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.
Indian Creek Burning of leaves or grass clippings is NOT permitted.  Outdoor fireplaces and fire pits are permitted only when firewood is used for recreational/cooking purposes in accordance with the manufacturers instructions.  With a permit, prairie conservation areas are allowed to be burned in a controlled manner.
Unincorporated Lake County Prohibited at all times under ordinance. Burning garbage, refuse, or construction materials and burning of non-woody yard waste, such as leaves and grass.

Restricted under ordinance. Burning woody yard waste is permitted during daylight hours between NOVEMBER 1 – MARCH 31. Woody yard waste generally consists of sticks, branches and small tree limbs. The burning of landscape waste must be generated on the property.  Maximum size of burn pile is 5′ in diameter and 3′ high. Recreational fire size 3’x3’x3′ permitted year round.

Bonfires (All Areas) Requires notification and approval from the District.

To report any illegal burning, contact the Lake County Open Burning Hotline at (847) 377-2999. 

Downloadable Brochures/Ordinances/Newsletters:

CFPD Guide to Open Burning Brochure (Revised 6/2022)
Village of Long Grove IEPA (Issued on 6-3-22)
Open Burning Guide-Indian Creek
Village of Hawthorn Woods Open Burning Ordinance No. 1409-12
Open Burning Restrictions in Unincorporated Lake County
Open Burn Permit Application
Open Burning Guidelines Flyer