Recreational Fire Guidelines

While burning a campfire there are several things we must keep in mind to ensure fire safety and the consideration of our neighbors. The Minnesota Uniform Fire Code and Minnesota State Statutes regulate the use of recreational fires to assure this. The following is the guidelines that need to be followed when burning a recreational fire.

RECREATIONAL FIRE GUIDELINES

• Materials you may burn are twigs, branches, fire wood, untreated scrap lumber, or charcoal.  You CANNOT burn treated lumber, yard waste, leaves, brush, debris, or refuse material.

• All fires will be constantly attended. 

• A charged garden hose or fire extinguisher will be immediately available.

• The size of the fire is limited to 3 feet in diameter and 2 feet high.

• No burning is allowed on streets, sidewalks, or other public right of ways.

• The fire area must meet one of the following criteria:

• An approved non-combustible fire ring or pit that is at least 8 inches deep and is at least 25 feet away from any building or combustible construction such as sheds, decks, and fences.  Combustible materials such as leaves and brush must be cleared away.

• An approved devise to contain the fire such as a fireplace, charcoal grill, or portable fire pit and is at least 15 feet away from any building or combustible construction such as sheds, decks and fences.  Combustible materials such as leaves and brush must be cleared away.

• No burning will be allowed during burning bans issued by the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) or the Sartell Fire Department.

Please keep in mind these guidelines this summer while enjoying a campfire. The police and fire departments can require a fire to be extinguished if these guidelines are not met.