Maple Grove, MN Fire Regulations: Backyard Fires (2026)

Maple Grove permits backyard recreational fires - campfires for warmth, ambiance, or cooking - on private property, governed by City Code Sec. 18-78 (Ordinance 20-07) and the Fire Department's Recreational Burn Permit policy. A recreational fire permit, free and valid through December 31 of the issuing year, must be obtained before burning; it covers open-air fires, fires in metal/clay/concrete devices, and portable gas-fired devices, and may be conducted only on private property. The general requirements are specific: only dry, clean, unpainted, untreated wood or cooking charcoal may be used as fuel; all wood must be no longer than 3 feet; dry tree branches and sticks may serve as starter kindling but may not be burned for disposal. Sustained wind speed must be under 10 mph. A means of extinguishment - a fire extinguisher, dirt, sand, or a garden hose - must be readily available until the fire is fully out, and a competent, unimpaired adult at least 18 years old must attend the fire until it is extinguished. Prohibited materials mirror the open-burning list: no chemically treated, painted, stained or glued wood, plywood, particle board, furniture, household items, construction debris, garbage, leaves, grass clippings or garden vegetation. Any Maple Grove police officer or firefighter may order a non-compliant fire extinguished. The city permit does not override any HOA or landlord restrictions, and it becomes invalid if the resident moves.