Ramsey County, MN Fire Regulations: Fire Pits & Backyard Fires (2026)
Fire pit rules in Ramsey County, MN, also called outdoor burning, recreational fire, or open flame ordinances, cover fuel types, clearances, and when burning is allowed.
Key Facts
- No-permit campfire
- 3 ft diameter by 3 ft high
- Permit trigger
- Larger fire or burning debris
- Burnable material
- Clean dry wood only
- State authority
- Minn. Stat. 88.17; MN DNR
- County role
- None; city and state govern
Summary
A recreational campfire for cooking, warming, or ceremony that is no more than 3 feet in diameter by 3 feet high needs no state burning permit. Larger fires or burning yard debris require a DNR permit, and cities set their own rules.
a fire set for cooking, warming, or ceremonial purposes, which is not more than 3 feet in diameter by 3 feet high
Full Breakdown
The Minnesota DNR defines a campfire as a fire set for cooking, warming, or ceremonial purposes that is not more than 3 feet in diameter by 3 feet high; no permit is needed for such fires. Anything larger, or burning of leaves, brush, and clippings, requires a DNR open-burning permit under Minn. Stat. 88.17. Ramsey County does not regulate backyard fires; each city applies the Minnesota State Fire Code (Minn. Rules Ch. 7511) plus local distance, hour, and material rules. Only clean, dry firewood may be burned; garbage, leaves, and treated wood are prohibited.
Violations & Fines
Fires that create a hazard or exceed the campfire exemption without a permit may be ordered extinguished; city fire-code penalties apply.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit for a backyard campfire in Ramsey County?
Can I burn leaves in my backyard fire pit?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Ramsey County
How Ramsey County compares: Cities with the Strictest Fire Pit Rules·Compare Ramsey County to another location·View the Minnesota fire regulations overview
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