Enjoying Outdoor Fires Safely
Posted on: June 5, 2025
As of June 1, 2025, an outdoor burning permit is no longer needed to enjoy a bonfire in your backyard! Summer evenings, Michigan backyards, and s’mores go hand-in-hand, and we want you to enjoy those moments safely.
Bonfire pits are permitted in the City of Auburn Hills, provided these guidelines are followed:
- Only burn dry, seasoned firewood. Keep the fire contained within a wood-burning unit. The burning space shouldn't exceed four (4) feet in diameter, width, or length, and the overall wood-burning unit shouldn't exceed three (3) feet in height.
- A "Wood-Burning Unit” is your fire pit! It can be a permanent outdoor fireplace, a fixed fire pit with sides, a chiminea, a patio warmer, or a portable wood-burning device. The key is that it's made from non-combustible materials like steel, metal, concrete, clay, masonry, rock, or brick.
- Your wood-burning unit needs to be at least fifteen (15) feet away from any structure or building. This helps prevent accidental fires!
- Always have at least one person who is eighteen (18) years of age or older supervising the fire at all times.
- Make sure you have a garden hose connected to a reliable water source or a fully functional fire extinguisher within twenty (20) feet of your fire pit.
- Outdoor burning is allowed for an eight (8) hour period per occasion. When you're done, please ensure the fire is completely extinguished with no smoldering ashes or items remaining.
So go ahead, have s'more bonfires, s'more fun, and make s'more backyard memories! Just remember to keep safety your top priority. If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to reach out to the Auburn Hills Fire Department at 248-370-9461.
Brian Rowley, Firefighter/Paramedic and Lisa Passalacqua, Community Engagement Manager