Bloomington, MN Fire Regulations: Outdoor Burning (2026)
Outdoor burning rules in Bloomington, 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.
Key Facts
- Fire Pit Max Size
- 3 ft diameter x 2 ft height
- Setback
- 25 ft from structures
- Wind Limit
- 10 mph sustained
- City Code
- Chapter 6
Summary
Recreational fires and portable fire pits are permitted in Bloomington with conditions: fire pit max 3 ft diameter by 2 ft height, 25 ft setback from combustible structures, must be constantly attended, and prohibited when winds exceed 10 mph. Open burning otherwise prohibited except by permit.
A recreational fire is an outdoor fire used for cooking, warming or ceremonial purposes... Only firewood may be used. Firewood: Dry, clean wood such as Presto Logs, charcoal or cordwood used or intended for use as heating fuel inside a residence or for an outdoor recreational fire. Firewood does not include wood that is green, has leaves or needles, is rotten, wet, oil soaked, or treated with paint, glue, or other preservatives. Construction debris or refuse is not Firewood. Fires may only be conducted between the hours of 7:00 AM and 12:00 (midnight); Sustained winds must be less than 10 miles per hour as measured by Police Dispatch; and A recreational fire must be immediately extinguished if the Fire Marshal, Fire Chief, responding Police Officer or City Official determines the fire is creating a fire safety hazard.
Full Breakdown
Bloomington City Code Chapter 6 governs fire prevention. Recreational fires must use dry, clean firewood only: no green wood, leaves, rotten wood, painted or treated lumber, or construction debris. Fire extinguishing equipment (bucket, shovel, garden hose, or 4-A rated extinguisher) must be readily available. Firewood must be stored in neat stacks, 10 ft from property lines, screened from view, and not in the front yard. DNR burn permits required for fires exceeding 3 ft x 3 ft when ground is not snow-covered per MN §88.17. The city may declare recreational fire bans during dry conditions.
Violations & Fines
MPCA violation: $500 to $10,000/day. Burning without DNR permit: misdemeanor. City fines: $200 to $500.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I burn yard waste in my backyard in Bloomington?
Do I need a permit for outdoor burning in Bloomington?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Bloomington
How Bloomington compares: Cities with the Strictest Outdoor Burning Rules·Compare Bloomington to another location·View the Minnesota fire regulations overview
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Outdoor Burning in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Hennepin County handle outdoor burning.