Recreational Fire Guidelines
Recreational fires on campus for small groups or other social gatherings are only allowed at approved locations as noted on the campus map below: Keul Patio (1), Billy Graham Hall (BGH) (2), Campus Houses (3), and Smith-Traber Hall (4).
Keul Patio Fire Table (1) and BGH (2) Reservations
Students can reserve one of the Keul Patio fire tables or the BGH locations using the online reservation form.
Campus Houses (3) and Smith-Traber Hall (4) Fire Pit Reservations
Students or organizations can reserve a fire pit near Smith-Traber Hall or Campus Houses on a first come first serve basis by calling the Residence Director of the desired area. The phone number of the Residence Director for Smith-Traber is 630.752.7520; the phone number of the Residence Director for Campus Houses and Apartments is 630.752.7560.
Keul Patio Fire Table Guidelines
- Before igniting, inspect the fire table lava rock area and remove any leaves, trash, or other debris from the area.
- To turn on the fire table, turn the timer switch located on the south side of the fire table walls for both the circular and rectangular tables. This will start the fire for a one-hour duration.
- Items are not to be placed in the fire or on the lava rock at any time.
- No standing, sitting, or putting weight on the lava rock area of the fire table.
- Sit a safe distance away from the flames; be aware that the flames will blow from side to side on a windy day.
- No cooking/roasting food (marshmallows, hot dogs, etc.) with the fire tables.
- Do not press the Emergency Stop Button unless there is an Emergency requiring the table to be shut off. It will shut off automatically after one hour.
- Do not try to turn back the timer, as it will damage the switch.
- Lava rock will be very hot after the fire has been in operation.
Campus House and Smith-Traber Fire Pit Guidelines
All approved recreational fires must adhere to the following guidelines (failure to abide by these guidelines will result in a fine for the person organizing the fire pit or forfeiting future permission to use a fire pit).
- Fires will not be permitted when wind guests exceed 20 mph or a burn ban or red flag warning is in place.
- The fire must be fully contained in a College-owned fire pit. No fire may be built directly on the ground, or on any other surface. Personally owned fire pits may not be used by students on the College campus and will be confiscated.
- The College-owned fire pit must stay in its approved location.
- Burn only dry seasoned wood or quick-starting logs designed for use in campfires or fireplaces. Students will need to purchase their own wood as the College does not supply firewood.
- Never burn treated wood, construction materials or lumber, plywood, pressure-treated wood, or any material that can pose an environmental or health hazard (e.g., plastic, Styrofoam, oil, or rubber).
- Never burn any paper products or cardboard or other combustible trash as these materials burn too hot and generate too much ash.
- Local law prohibits burning grass, brush, roots, or other similar vegetation,
- Never break or destroy trees, shrubs, bushes, or landscaping on campus to use for firewood or fuel.
- Flames shall not exceed 24 inches above the rim of the fire pit.
- DuPage County Code 30-17 requires that the fire be under constant, direct adult supervision at all times flames or glowing embers are visibly present.
- The individual who reserved the fire pit is expected to serve as the party responsible for the fire and remain in attendance and observing the fire at all times from lighting the fire through its extinguishment. If the individual needs to leave for any reason, they must appoint and confirm with the applicable residence director a new responsible party, who will assume all obligations of the individual who reserved the fire pit.
- A filled 5-gallon water bucket and portable fire extinguisher with a minimum 2A:10B:C rating must remain within reach in case of an emergency at all times when the fire is burning.
- The party responsible should ensure that attendees sit a safe distance away from the flames; be aware that the flames will blow from side to side on a windy day.
- Public Safety, Facilities, Risk Management, or Residence Life personnel have authority to terminate use of the fire pit and require that the fire be extinguished at any time.
- The individual who reserved the fire pit is responsible for extinguishing the fire.
- When the event is over, the remnants of burning wood and coals must be thoroughly drenched with water. When drenching the fire, apply enough water to cover embers, stir coals until all materials are cool to touch.
- Due to the risk of fire, coals and remnants of burnt wood may not be placed in a College dumpster until they are fully extinguished.
- Unused wood may be stacked neatly next to the fire pit.
- In case of emergency, contact Public Safety at 630.752.5911.
- Students found having unapproved fires on campus will be fined $200.
- Failure to comply with local laws regarding open burning and recreational fires (City of Wheaton Code Section 54-113 and DuPage County Codes 30-17 and 30-26) is a crime punishable by a fine of $500-$1000 and remediation costs of disposal for each violation.
Recreational fires are a wonderful privilege but also pose a risk to campus property and personal safety when not properly maintained. Students must exercise extreme care and proper judgment at all times.
In the event that College property, including the grass below the fire, are damaged, students or departments will be fined for repairing the damage.
Map of Campus Recreational Fire Locations
