Outdoor burning rules in Saint Paul, 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 yard waste, leaves, brush, and debris is prohibited in Saint Paul under the fire code and MPCA rules. Only recreational fires with clean wood are allowed.
Saint Paul prohibits open burning of leaves, brush, yard waste, construction debris, garbage, and other materials under the city fire code and MPCA open burning rules. This ban applies year-round and covers all residential, commercial, and industrial properties within city limits. Recreational fires using clean untreated wood in a fire pit are the only exception for residential properties (see fire-pit-rules). Open burning for land clearing, demolition, or agricultural purposes requires a special open-burning permit from the Saint Paul Fire Department, which is rarely granted within city limits. Minnesota Rules Chapter 7009 (MPCA air quality rules) reinforces the statewide ban on open burning in urban areas and authorizes the Pollution Control Agency to enforce violations. Burning trash or household waste is always illegal under both city and state law. Complaints about illegal burning can be reported through Saint Paul 311.
Illegal open burning can result in administrative citations from the fire department, fines, and potential misdemeanor charges. Under MN Rules Ch. 7009, MPCA can also assess separate penalties for air quality violations. Fire department response costs may be billed to the responsible party.
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See how Saint Paul's outdoor burning rules stack up against other locations.
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