Hennepin County, MN Fire Regulations: Fire Pits & Backyard Fires (2026)
Fire pit rules in Hennepin County, MN, also called outdoor burning, recreational fire, or open flame ordinances, cover fuel types, clearances, and when burning is allowed.
Key Facts
- Max size
- 3 by 3 feet
- Setback
- 25 feet
- Supervision
- Adult required
- Burn ban
- Per DNR alerts
Summary
Hennepin County recreational fires must follow Minnesota DNR open-burning rules and city codes. Fires are limited to three feet wide by three feet tall, set back 25 feet from structures, attended by an adult, and extinguished completely.
Campfire safety Whether you're in a state forest or in your backyard, campfires should be constructed with 3 feet or less in diameter and not more than 3 feet in height. Learn how to build and extinguish a campfire. Make your home Firewise Brush, grass, or forest fires don't have to be disasters. Firewise principles can save lives and property from wildfire. Learn more about how you can protect your property Spring wildfire risk After the snow melts and before vegetation greens up can be a dangerous time for wildfire in Minnesota. Conditions change quickly, check statewide fire danger & burning restrictions for updated info. Spring Burning Restrictions As of April 20, spring burning restrictions have expanded into northern Minnesota due to warm and dry conditions. Additional counties include Becker, Beltrami North, Carlton, Clearwater, Itasca, Kittson, Koochiching, Lake of the Woods, Mahnomen, Marshall, Pennington, Polk, Red Lake, Roseau, and St. Louis.
Full Breakdown
Under Minn. DNR open-burning rules and Hennepin County city fire codes, recreational campfires on residential property may not exceed three feet in diameter and three feet tall, must be 25 feet or more from any structure, and require constant adult supervision plus on-hand water or extinguisher. Fire bans triggered by Minnesota DNR red-flag warnings override municipal allowances. Cities such as Minneapolis, Edina, and Bloomington require permits or notification before burning yard waste, and some prohibit yard-waste burning entirely. Smoke from fires causing nuisance to neighbors can be cited under the MN State Fire Code adopted statewide.
Violations & Fines
Unattended fires, oversized pits, or burning during a DNR ban can result in citations from local fire marshals starting around 100 dollars and rising to misdemeanor charges if a fire spreads or causes injury.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit for a backyard fire pit?
Can I burn during a DNR red-flag day?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Hennepin County
How Hennepin County compares: Cities with the Strictest Fire Pit Rules·Compare Hennepin County to another location·View the Minnesota fire regulations overview
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