Lakeville, MN Fire Regulations: Outdoor Burning (2026)

Under Lakeville City Code 8-4-3, open burning of anything that emits combustion products directly into the atmosphere is prohibited, with recreational fires being the principal exception. To conduct other open burning (for example, brush or vegetative debris that exceeds recreational-fire size), a person must obtain an open-burning permit by applying on a form prescribed by the Minnesota DNR and adopted by the Lakeville Fire Department. Minnesota DNR rules require a burning permit whenever a fire is more than 3 feet high and 3 feet in diameter, when the ground is not covered by at least 3 inches of snow, and when the fire is not contained in an approved burner or a cooking/heating device. Only vegetative material - grass, leaves, brush and untreated lumber - may be burned with a permit. State law (MN Stat. 88.171) and DNR rules prohibit burning rubber, plastics, chemically treated materials, demolition debris, hazardous and industrial waste, garbage, tires, treated lumber, shingles and similar items that produce excessive or noxious smoke. Burning is also barred during any burning ban or air-quality alert. Residents should use yard-waste collection rather than burning where possible.