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Stearns County, MN Fire Regulations: Fireworks (2026)

Heavy Restrictions

Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 2026

Key Facts

Governing law: Ordinance No. 696, § 5.2
Scope: All designated Stearns County Park property
Exceptions: None written into § 5.2
Penalty: Misdemeanor under § 20.1(b)
Enforcement: Park Director and Stearns County Sheriff

Summary

Stearns County bans fireworks and explosives outright inside every county park. Ordinance No. 696 § 5.2 makes it unlawful for any person to possess or use firecrackers, other fireworks, or explosives of any kind on park property; no permit or exception is written into the section, and violators face a misdemeanor charge enforced by the Sheriff.

These county ordinances apply to unincorporated areas of Stearns County. Incorporated cities within the county may have their own rules that take precedence over county-level regulations.

5.2 It shall be unlawful for any person to use or have in his or her possession explosives of any kind, including firecrackers and other kinds of fireworks within a County Park.

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Full Breakdown

Ordinance No. 696, Stearns County's Parks Ordinance adopted under Minn. 35, places its fireworks ban in Section 5, 'PUBLIC SAFETY,' alongside restrictions on firearms and weapons. 2 is unqualified: it shall be unlawful for any person to use or possess explosives of any kind, including firecrackers and other kinds of fireworks, within a County Park. 3. The rule reaches every Stearns County park and preserve, including Quarry Park & Nature Preserve, and applies whether the fireworks are carried in a bag, a vehicle, or set off on the ground. Ordinance No. 696 replaced the county's prior Ordinance #593 and took effect on publication of the Board's official proceedings. 2.

Violations & Fines

Possessing or setting off fireworks, firecrackers, or any other explosive in a Stearns County park is a misdemeanor under Ordinance No. 696 § 20.1(b), separate from any charge under state fireworks law for possession outside the park. The Stearns County Sheriff and Park Director staff issue citations and may confiscate the fireworks on the spot.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I light fireworks at a Stearns County park?

No. Section 5.2 of Ordinance No. 696 makes it unlawful to possess or use explosives of any kind, including firecrackers and other fireworks, inside any County Park. The ban applies to every visitor and carries no permit exception, unlike the firearms rule next to it in Section 5.1.

Does the ban apply to sparklers or novelty items?

The text isn't limited by type: Section 5.2 bans 'explosives of any kind, including firecrackers and other kinds of fireworks,' without distinguishing consumer-grade sparklers from larger devices, so any firework product is prohibited inside a County Park.

What happens if I'm caught with fireworks in a county park?

You can be cited for a misdemeanor under Section 20.1(b) of Ordinance No. 696, and Park Director staff or the Stearns County Sheriff, who share enforcement authority under Section 20.2, may confiscate the fireworks.

Sources & Official References

[1]Stearns County Parks Ordinance No. 696

Other rules in Stearns County

Fence Regulations: Height LimitsSome Restrictions Fire Pits & Backyard FiresSome Restrictions Parking Rules: RV & Boat ParkingSignificant Restrictions Outdoor BurningSignificant Restrictions Noise Ordinances: Amplified Music & Outdoor SoundSignificant Restrictions Parking Rules: Loading ZonesSome Restrictions Parking Rules: Driveway RulesSome Restrictions Fence Regulations: Retaining WallsSome Restrictions

All Stearns County rules

How Stearns County compares: Cities Where Fireworks Are Banned or Heavily Restricted·Compare Stearns County to another location·View the Minnesota fire regulations overview

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