Outdoor burning rules in Blaine, MN — also called the burn ban, open burning, or fire restriction ordinance — set when you can burn yard waste, debris, or run a recreational fire.
Open burning of leaves, yard waste, lumber, pallets, scrap wood, cardboard, paper, and garbage is prohibited in Blaine. Burning brush and tree trimmings is allowed only with an open pile burn permit from the Fire Inspection Division. Recreational fires of natural firewood are handled separately.
Blaine prohibits open burning of most materials. Lumber, pallets, wooden shingles, scrap wood, leaves, yard waste, cardboard, paper, garbage, and similar items may not be burned anywhere within the city. The one significant exception is the burning of brush and tree trimmings, which is allowed only in accordance with the city's open burning ordinance and only after obtaining an open pile burn permit from the Fire Inspection Division. Applicants for an open pile burn permit must provide details such as fuel type, number of piles, pile size, special conditions, work start and end dates, daily hours, and a site map showing the burn location relative to adjacent buildings and utilities, plus a description of the firefighting personnel and equipment that will be on site during the burn. A DNR variance or burn plan may also be required. Review of an application can take up to 15 business days, and permit fees are payable online. The city's restrictions sit on top of state law: Minn. Stat. 88.171 prohibits open burning of rubber, plastics, chemically treated or painted wood, tires, shingles, tar paper, insulation, sheetrock, and other materials that produce noxious smoke. Note that the Minnesota DNR does not issue open burning permits for brush or yard waste during county-level spring burning restrictions, which periodically apply to Anoka County. To report illegal burning, call 911; for questions, call Blaine Safety Services.
Open burning of prohibited materials is a misdemeanor punishable by fines up to $1,000 and/or 90 days in jail. Burning brush or tree trimmings without the required open pile burn permit is also a violation. State law (Minn. Stat. 88.171) separately bars burning rubber, plastics, treated wood, and similar materials.
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