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Fargo, ND Fire Regulations: Outdoor Burning (2026)

Significant Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified August 2026

Outdoor burning rules in Fargo, ND, 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

Ban trigger
High, very high, or extreme fire index
Also banned
Any red flag warning day
Garbage burning
Unlawful without state-approved incinerator
Enforced by
Fargo Bureau of Fire Prevention
Max fine
$1,000 per violation

Summary

Fargo's fire code bans all open burning, including recreational fires, whenever the local fire danger index reaches high, very high, or extreme, or any time a red flag warning is in effect.

307.1.1 Prohibited open burning. Open burning shall be prohibited when atmospheric conditions or local circumstances make such fires hazardous. All open burning, including recreational fires, are banned when the fire index is at the high, very high or extreme level, and any time during a red flag warning.

Source: Fargo Municipal CodeView official code

Full Breakdown

Fargo's amended International Fire Code, adopted at Fargo Municipal Code § 9-0704, prohibits open burning whenever atmospheric conditions or local circumstances make fires hazardous, and flatly bans all open burning, including recreational campfires, whenever the fire danger index sits at high, very high, or extreme, or any time a red flag warning is in effect. Separately, § 13-0503 makes it unlawful to burn garbage or rubbish anywhere in the city except in a North Dakota Department of Health-approved incinerator. The fire chief's bureau of fire prevention enforces both rules.

Violations & Fines

Violating the fire code carries a fine of up to $1,000 per offense under Fargo Municipal Code § 9-0708, and each 10 days a prohibited condition continues counts as a separate offense.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I have a campfire in Fargo during a burn ban?
No. Recreational fires are included in the ban whenever the fire index is high, very high, extreme, or a red flag warning is issued.
Can I burn yard waste or garbage in Fargo?
No. Burning garbage or rubbish anywhere in the city is unlawful unless done in a North Dakota Department of Health-approved incinerator.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Fargo

Parking Rules: Overnight ParkingSome RestrictionsFence Regulations: Height LimitsSome RestrictionsFire Pits & Backyard FiresSome RestrictionsSmoke DetectorsSome RestrictionsFireworksHeavy RestrictionsPropane StorageSome RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Vehicle NoiseSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Loading ZonesSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Commercial & Oversized VehiclesSignificant RestrictionsAnimal Ordinances: Cat RulesSome Restrictions

All Fargo rules

How Fargo compares: Cities with the Strictest Outdoor Burning Rules·Compare Fargo to another location·View the North Dakota fire regulations overview

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