Recreational Fires

Before Having a Recreational Fire

  1. Fill out and submit the Recreational Fire Permit below (valid for calendar year)
  2. Call the Recreational Fire Hotline at 952-826-0398 to ensure fire danger index is low and no bans are in place.

Laws & Privileges

In recent years, backyard fires have become more common in suburban cities, where the confines are much tighter than you'd find in the "great outdoors." As a result, the City of Edina and State of Minnesota have put Fire Codes in place to address this and related issues: Edina City Ordinance 605.

Remember, recreational fires are a privilege, not a right. With this privilege comes responsibilities that must be upheld in order for you, your friends, neighbors and children to safely enjoy a recreational fire.

Requirements and Permit Form

Recreational Fire Permit

  1. Requirements listed below shall apply to all recreational fires:
    • All recreational fires shall be considered open burning and a permit shall be required. Recreational fire permits may be obtained at the Edina Fire Department, Station Number 1 or through this online form.
    • Recreational fires must be on private property, and the property owner must make the application for this permit.
    • Permits are valid only for the calendar year.
    • Fires are not permitted between 10 p.m. and 7 a.m. Sunday through Thursday or between midnight and 7 a.m. on Friday and Saturday.
    • Fires must be contained within a fire ring, pit, manufactured wood-burning appliance or similar device constructed for such use.
    • The fire must not be located within 25 feet of any structure on this or neighboring property and must be 10 feet away from property lines.
    • The area within a 5-foot radius around the fire or device must be reasonably clear of combustibles. The area directly above the fire must be clear of all combustibles.
    • Notify your neighbors about your recreational fire.
    • An approved form of fire extinguisher must be readily available. This may include an extinguisher, a hose or other equipment designed for such use.
    • Wood to be burned must be clean and produce little detectable smoke or odor. Use only split and dry fireplace wood, minimum 1 inch in diameter. No treated wood, construction materials or yard waste (leaves, grass, twigs, etc.) may be burned.
    • Oils, combustible and flammable liquids, rubber, plastics, chemically treated materials, construction materials, hazardous waste and rubbish/trash shall not be burned or used as starting material.
    • No flammable or combustible liquids such as gasoline are allowed to kindle or rekindle a fire.
    • In all cases, the total fuel load of the fire can't exceed 3 feet in diameter and 2 feet in height.
    • The prevailing wind at the time of burning must be away from nearby residences and wind speed must be less than 15 miles per hour (mph).
    • The fire must be attended at all times by at least one responsible person age 18 or older.
    • The fire must be completely extinguished before leaving it unattended. (Use care when extinguishing a fire to avoid throwing embers into the air and to prevent damage if a manufactured device is in use.)
  2. Prior to starting the fire the permit holder must contact the Edina Fire Department Recreational Fire Hotline at 952-826-0398.
    The Edina Fire Department or the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (MN DNR) may restrict recreational fires during periods of high fire danger. Traditionally this has occurred during the months of April and May but may occur at other times. Observation of these requirements does not release persons of any liability for damages that may result from a recreational fire.
  3. Fires may be ordered extinguished and this permit revoked by the Fire Department if:
    • Any recreational fire requirement is violated
    • If a fire hazard exists or develops
    • We receive valid complaints from your neighbors regarding the fire, smoke or other violations
  4. For Text Messages
  5. Confirmation*
    By selecting "Submit" below, I agree that I am a legal adult 18 years of age or older and understand this permit does not release me of any liability for damages that may result from the conducting of this recreational fire. Further, I agree to comply with all recreational fire requirements listed above.
  6. Leave This Blank:

  7. This field is not part of the form submission.