Fire Regulations in Stearns County, MN (2026)

3 rules for unincorporated Stearns County, Minnesota.

Verified from official government sources

Note: These county rules apply to unincorporated areas of Stearns County. If you live within an incorporated city, that city's own rules apply: see the city list below.

Fire Pits & Backyard Fires

Fires along Stearns County recreational trails must burn only in a fireplace, portable fire grill, stove or fire ring under Ordinance 594, Section 6.1, and every fire must be attended at all times per Section 6.2.

Stearns County Trail Fire Ring Rules

Some Restrictions

Stearns County Ordinance No. 594, Sec. 6.1-6.2

6.1 Fires along a County Recreational Trail are permitted only in fireplaces, portable fire grills, stove or fire rings. 6.2 Fires shall be attended at all times.

Full ordinance details →Official source ↗

Fireworks

Stearns County bans fireworks and explosives outright inside every county park. Ordinance No. 696 § 5.2 makes it unlawful for any person to possess or use firecrackers, other fireworks, or explosives of any kind on park property; no permit or exception is written into the section, and violators face a misdemeanor charge enforced by the Sheriff.

Stearns County Park Fireworks Ban

Heavy Restrictions

Stearns County Ordinance No. 696 (Parks Ordinance), § 5.2

5.2 It shall be unlawful for any person to use or have in his or her possession explosives of any kind, including firecrackers and other kinds of fireworks within a County Park.

Full ordinance details →Official source ↗

Outdoor Burning

Stearns County's Solid Waste Ordinance No. 431 prohibits open burning or incineration of solid waste anywhere the County Board has determined that trash collection service is reasonably available. The Environmental Services Department enforces the ban under Section 5.2, and violators face a misdemeanor charge carrying up to a $1,000 fine and 90 days in jail.

Stearns County Ban on Burning Solid Waste

Significant Restrictions

Stearns County Ordinance No. 431 (Solid Waste Ordinance), Sec. 5.2

No person shall cause, permit or allow land or property under their control to be used for open burning or incineration of solid waste in any area of the County for which the Board has determined refuse collection service is reasonably available, unless otherwise provided by this Ordinance.

Full ordinance details →Official source ↗

All Stearns County ordinances

See every category we cover for Stearns County: parking, noise, fences, fires, animals, pools, and more.

Stearns County Ordinance Hub →