Safety Tips

There are two general instances in which it is legal to have a fire within city limits: recreational camp or bonfires and outdoor fireplaces. Below are some important safety tips involving both.

Important Reminders

Permit: You are permitted to have a campfire, bonfire or other type of recreational fire in the City of Auburn (outdoor fireplaces are excluded). Contact the Auburn Fire Marshall for a permit. (The is no charge for the permit.) You will have to choose a site (at least 50 feet from any building or other flammable materials) and have it inspected as part of the permit approval process. Additionally, you will be required to have some type of extinguishing method (water, fire extinguisher) available on site.

More Information
Fire Marshall David Bunn
260.925.8241
debunn@ci.auburn.in.us.

Legal Requirements: Regardless of the type of fire you have, it is always illegal to burn anything other than natural wood products. Additionally, under Indiana law, if your fire is deemed a nuisance, you will be asked to extinguish it. A fire is always considered a nuisance if a person calls the Police or Fire Department with concerns about it. With that in mind, remember to be considerate of your neighbors. 

Recreational Camp or Bonfires

• Build campfires away from overhanging branches, steep slopes, rotten stumps, logs, dry grass and leaves.
• Keep plenty of water handy and have a shovel for throwing dirt on the fire if it gets out of control.
• Start with dry twigs and small sticks. Add larger sticks as the fire builds up. Put the largest pieces of wood on last, pointing them toward the center of the fire and gradually push them into the flames.
• Scrape away litter, duff and any burnable material within a 10-foot diameter circle. This will keep a small campfire from spreading.
• Never leave a campfire unattended.
• Don't start your outdoor fireplace when it's windy. The wind can carry sparks and set fire to your property, house, or worse.
• Keep at least 3 feet away from the flame—this includes people, pets, furniture, etc.
• Drown the fire with water. Make sure all embers, coals and sticks are wet.

Outdoor Fireplaces

• Use a mesh screen to cover any openings to prevent sparks and ash from floating into the air. 
• Make sure the embers have burned out before going inside for the night.
• Don't use fire starter to rekindle a dying fire.
• If you don't have a concrete or stone base and want a wood deck firepit, buy a fireproof pad for your unit to sit on. The pad will protect your deck from scorch marks.
• Don't use portable fire pits underneath overhead branches.
• Keep extra wood upwind and away from the fire.
• Keep a bucket of water and a shovel nearby.
• Keep at least 3 feet away from the flame—this includes people, pets, furniture, etc.

Fireworks

• Always read and follow label directions.
• Have an adult present.
• Buy from reliable sellers.
• Use outdoors only.
• Always have water handy (a garden hose and a bucket).
• Never experiment or make your own fireworks.
• Light only one firework at a time.
• Never re-light a "dud" firework (wait 15 to 20 minutes and then soak it in a bucket of water).
• Never give fireworks to small children.
• Dispose of fireworks properly by soaking them in water and then disposing of them in your trashcan.
• Never throw or point fireworks at other people.
• Never shoot fireworks in metal or glass containers.
• The shooter should always wear eye protection and never have any part of the body over the firework.
• Stay away from illegal explosives.