Show All Answers

1. Where can I have a recreational fire?

Recreational fires must be at least 15 feet away from any structure and from the property line. They must be confined inside of a fire ring no larger than 3 feet in diameter and constructed of non-combustible materials, such as mounded earth, large rocks, concrete blocks or bricks.

2. When can I have a recreational fire?

There are no time limits on recreational fires, however if complaints are received because of noise or smoke odors, the police or a Fire Department officer can order that your fire be extinguished.

3. What can I burn in my recreational fire?

Clean fire logs, small twigs, untreated and unpainted lumber scraps. Wood pallets may be burned if broken up small enough to fit within the required 3 foot fire ring.

4. Are there any fuels which are not allowed?

There sure are! It must be clean materials only.

The following fuels are not allowed:

• Chemically treated wood
• Composition boards
• Cut trees or branches and other yard waste materials
• Garbage/rubbish
• Hazardous materials of any kind
• Industrial solid waste
• Insulation including electrical wiring insulation
• Oil
• Painted materials or paint filters
• Plastic
• Railroad ties
• Rubber
• Sheetrock
• Shingles
• Tarpaper
• Demolition debris
• Any other materials that would give off a toxic smoke irritant to nearby residents

5. Is a permit required for a recreational fire?

No, nor do we require any advance notification.

6. Who can have a recreational fire?

The only restriction is that an adult knowledgeable with first aid fire fighting equipment must be in attendance at all times that the fire is burning and until it has ceased smoldering.

7. What do you mean by "First Aid Fire Fighting Equipment"?

There must be some form of fire fighting equipment readily available at the burn site. This may be as simple as a charged garden hose with shut-off nozzle. It may also be a portable fire extinguisher appropriate for Class A fires, with at least a 10 pound classification.

8. Where do recreational fire rules apply?

Throughout the cities of Anoka and Champlin only. In other municipalities, please check with the local fire officials for any rules and regulations in that community.

9. Are there any other regulations I should be aware of?

Recreational fires should never be attempted in windy conditions, or if the weather is or has been very dry. A person who starts and fails to control or extinguish a fire, whether on owners property or on the property of others, before the fire endangers or causes damage to the property of another person or the State, is guilty of a misdemeanor and that person is responsible for the repair and cost of other people’s property.