Contact: Matt Laible, 612-673-2786
Having a backyard fire? Follow the law and be considerate of your neighbors
May 11, 2012 (MINNEAPOLIS) The month of May got off to a rainy start, but there’s finally a weekend forecast that will get many people outside. If your outdoor activities involve a small recreational fire, make sure to keep these City ordinances in mind to keep Minneapolis safe and livable:
- Outdoor fires are permitted between 9 a.m. and 10 p.m.
- Keep fire small, less than three feet in diameter and two feet high.
- Burn only untreated, unpainted, dry wood. Never burn cardboard boxes, trash or debris, because the smoke can be toxic. www.minneapolismn.gov/environment/air/airquality
- Fire must be at least 25 feet away from a structure or combustible material and in a fire ring or pit with edges more than six inches high.
- Have a hose or fire extinguisher present.
- Postpone the fire when the wind exceeds 10 mph.
- Fire must be constantly attended by someone 18 years or older and completely out before being abandoned.
Illegal burning can result in a $200 fine.
To report an illegal or unsafe fire, call 911.
For more information about recreational fires from the Minneapolis Fire Department, visit http://wcms/wwwmpls/fire/WCMS1P-090517. For the Minneapolis law on recreational fires, visit the Minneapolis Code of Ordinances, Chapter 178 at www.minneapolismn.gov/government/ord/index.htm.
Be a good neighbor
When you’re planning to have a recreational fire, these simple suggestions could help make sure you’re being a considerate neighbor:
- Postponing a fire when Minneapolis is under an air pollution advisory or alert. Fires release fine particles that contribute to air pollution and can aggravate a number of health problems, including asthma. Sign up for air quality alerts at http://mn.enviroflash.info.
- Letting neighbors know when planning a fire.
- Postponing a fire when smoke will blow directly at a neighbor’s house or when still weather conditions prevent smoke from moving away at all.
The Fire and Police departments are authorized to extinguish the fire immediately if it is hazardous or unsafe. For more information on recreational fires or to register a complaint about a recreational fire, call 311 or email Minneapolis311@minneapolismn.gov.
For more information on Minneapolis air quality, visit www.minneapolismn.gov/sustainability/indicators/WCMS1P-081037.
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Published May. 11, 2012