Fire pit rules in Dakota County, MN — also called outdoor burning, recreational fire, or open flame ordinances — cover fuel types, clearances, and when burning is allowed.
Recreational fires in a backyard fire pit are allowed under the Minnesota State Fire Code without a DNR burn permit if kept small: no more than 3 feet in diameter, set well back from structures, attended, and burning only clean dry wood. Cities set the exact setbacks.
The Minnesota State Fire Code treats a small backyard fire as a recreational fire, exempt from a DNR open-burning permit. Under the DNR campfire exemption a fire is allowed if it is 'not more than 3 feet in diameter by 3 feet high, and has had the ground 5 feet from the base of the fire cleared of all combustible material.' Most Dakota County cities (Rosemount, Hastings, Burnsville) require the fire to be at least 25 feet from buildings, contained in a ring or pit, constantly attended, and fueled only by dry, clean wood, never trash or leaves. Fire pit setbacks and any permits are set by your city, not the county.
An out-of-control or non-compliant fire can be ordered extinguished by the fire department; repeat or nuisance fires may draw a municipal citation and cost-recovery for response.
Other ordinances people look up for this city. Green dot = verified primary-source excerpt.
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