2010 GUIDELINES FOR RECREATIONAL FIRES
A Recreational fire is an outdoor fire, where the fuel or material being burned, is not in a contained incinerator, outdoor fireplace, barbeque grill or pit, and is used for pleasure, religious, ceremonial, cooking, warmth or similar purposes. A recreational fire has a maximum fuel area of 3 ft. or less, in diameter by 2 ft. or less, in height. A permit issued by the Minot Fire Department is required for fires of larger size or other uses.
Guidelines for Conducting Recreational Fires:
- A recreational fire shall not be located within 25 ft. of structures or conditions such as dry grass, leaves or combustible materials that will cause a fire to spread within 25 ft. of any structure
- Recreational fires are not allowed during a declared fire ban or when the rangeland fire danger index is in the extreme category.
- Only untreated wood with a recommended diameter of at least 1 in. may be burned. No brush, yard waste, or rubbish is to be burned in a recreational fire.
- Recreational fires must be located on private property and have approval from all involved parties. Recreational fires are not allowed in easements or right of ways.
- A cellular or portable phone or other means of reporting an emergency must be available for use.
- Recreational fires are not allowed in winds in excess of 15 miles per hour as determined by the Weather Channel cable access channel 15.
- Recreational fires must be attended until extinguished and a garden hose, dirt, water barrel, fire extinguisher or other means of controlling and extinguishing the fire shall be available for immediate utilization.
- Recommended hours for conducting recreational fires are 7:00 a.m. to 12:00 a.m. (midnight)
- Any Fire or Police Officer may withdraw permission to conduct a recreational fire due to climatic conditions such as extreme dryness, nuisance problems, or violations of these guidelines.
- Fires in approved and UL listed containers equipped with screens and spark arrestors, must be located a minimum of 15 ft. from structures and combustible materials with all other guidelines applying to these types of fires.
- Cooking devices utilizing charcoal or LP (propane) must be located a minimum of 10 ft. from combustible construction with the exception of 1(one) and 2 (two) family dwellings and this use may be restricted during a declared fire ban.
For additional information contact, Fire Marshal Edward Hausauer Minot Fire Department, 515 2nd Ave. SW Minot ND 58701 email: ed.hausauer@minotnd.org (701) 857-4740
