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Fargo, ND Fire Regulations: Fire Pits & Backyard Fires (2026)

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified August 2026

Fire pit rules in Fargo, ND, also called outdoor burning, recreational fire, or open flame ordinances, cover fuel types, clearances, and when burning is allowed.

Key Facts

Governing code
2024 International Fire Code § 307.1.1
Ban trigger
High, very high, or extreme fire danger
Also triggers ban
Any active red flag warning
Enforcement
Fargo Fire Department bureau of fire prevention
Penalty
Infraction, fine up to $1,000/day

Summary

Fargo's fire code bans all open burning, including backyard recreational fires, whenever atmospheric conditions or local circumstances make fires hazardous: specifically during high, very high, or extreme fire danger ratings, or any red flag warning.

307.1.1 Prohibited open burning. Open burning shall be prohibited when atmospheric conditions or local circumstances make such fires hazardous. All open burning, including recreational fires, are banned when the fire index is at the high, very high or extreme level, and any time during a red flag warning.

View official code

Full Breakdown

Fargo enforces the 2024 International Fire Code as locally amended, and Section 307.1.1 forbids all open burning, including recreational fires in backyard fire pits or rings, when atmospheric conditions or local circumstances make fires hazardous. The ban automatically kicks in any time the fire danger index reads high, very high, or extreme, or during any red flag warning. The Fargo Fire Department's bureau of fire prevention, established under Section 103.1, enforces the code citywide; outside those trigger conditions, this section does not separately cap the size of a backyard fire.

Violations & Fines

Violating the fire code is an infraction punishable by a fine up to $1,000, with each day the violation continues charged as a separate offense; courts may suspend the sentence.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I have a backyard fire pit in Fargo?
Yes, but Fargo Municipal Code § 307.1.1 requires putting it out whenever the fire danger index is high, very high, or extreme, or during a red flag warning.
What happens if I burn during a ban?
You risk an infraction citation under Fargo's fire code, with fines up to $1,000; each day the violation continues counts as a separate offense.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Fargo

Parking Rules: Overnight ParkingSome RestrictionsFence Regulations: Height LimitsSome RestrictionsSmoke DetectorsSome RestrictionsOutdoor BurningSignificant RestrictionsFireworksHeavy RestrictionsPropane StorageSome RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Vehicle NoiseSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Loading ZonesSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Commercial & Oversized VehiclesSignificant RestrictionsAnimal Ordinances: Cat RulesSome Restrictions

All Fargo rules

How Fargo compares: Cities with the Strictest Fire Pit Rules·Compare Fargo to another location·View the North Dakota fire regulations overview

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