Recreational Fires, Fire Pits & Burn Bans

Recreational Fires & Fire Pits

The Fire Chief has provided guidance on rules for recreational fires and fire pits. All recreational fires are governed by the Minnesota DNR as established by Minnesota Statutes and the Minnesota State Fire Code. The following are the rules, restrictions and guidelines concerning recreational fires.

State Fire Marshal Fact Sheet - Recreational Fires and Outdoor Fireplaces (PDF)

Location 

Portable fire pits should be 15 ft from a structure or anything combustible. 25 ft for permanent fire pits that burn wood and 15 ft for permanent natural gas or propane fire pits. If you put in a simple fire pit with a rock border please remember to have a 5 ft diameter around the pit that is clear of dead grass or leaves. Never use a portable fire pit on or near a wood deck.

Size

Size of recreational fires may not exceed 3 ft diameter and 2 ft in height and must be contained in an approved manner such as a portable barbecue pit, fire pit, or fire ring.

Fuels

Yard waste, waste matter, rubber, plastics, construction debris, trash, wood with paint, plywood, demolition material or flammable liquids shall not be used for fuel.

Fire Extinguishing Equipment

Buckets, shovels, garden hoses or a fire extinguisher with a minimum 4-A rating shall be readily available for use at recreational fires.

Attendance

An attendant shall supervise a recreational fire until such fire has been extinguished. Fires found to be unattended will be extinguished by the fire department.

Discontinuance

Fire department personnel are authorized to require that recreational fires be immediately discontinued if it is determined that a hazardous condition exists.

Burn Bans