STAY CONNECTED

Recreational Fires (Bonfires) in Plymouth

Print

Font Size: + -

Recreational fires (bonfires) are permitted in Plymouth, provided that certain requirements are met. Please use caution and follow the requirements below.

Defining a Recreational Fire (Bonfire)

Recreational fire sites include in-ground or above ground pits, fire rings, portable fire pits, bowls, chimeneas and other approved wood burning devices.
Mobile cooking devices such as manufactured hibachis, charcoal grills, wood smokers and propane or natural gas devices and burners are not defined as recreational fires.

Ordinance Requirements

Fires must be contained within a fire ring, pit or similar device.
Fires must be no larger than 3 feet in diameter and 3 feet in height.
Fires must be at least 25 feet from any structure and the area within a 5-foot radius of the fire must be clear of combustible materials.
Fire extinguishing equipment must always be readily available. This may be a fire extinguisher, garden hose or other equipment designed for such use.
The fire must always be attended by at least one responsible person 18 years of age or older.
Only clean, non-treated wood may be burned. Wood must be at least 1 inch in diameter and produce little smoke or odor.
Flammable or combustible liquids, yard waste (branches, twigs, sticks, leaves or grass), garbage, recycling, plastic, furniture, construction materials or treated wood shall not be burned or used as starting materials.
Winds must be less than 10 mph and blow away from nearby residences.
Residents starting recreational fires must respect weather conditions, neighbors, burning bans and air quality so that nuisance, health or safety hazards are not created.
Fires are prohibited when the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources has declared a burning ban (fire danger level is at or above Very High) or the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency has issued an air quality alert.

The fire chief, on-duty firefighters or police officers are authorized to order recreational fires to be immediately extinguished if smoke emissions are offensive, the fire constitutes a hazardous condition or if residents do not follow the set guidelines.

Fires or Barbecues at Multi-Family Dwellings

Plymouth follows the Minnesota State Fire Code regarding guidelines for fires or barbecues on balconies, patios or decks of multi-family dwellings. Minnesota State Fire Code guidelines are established to reduce risk and protect residents and their property if a connected dwelling catches fire. The below guidelines do not apply to single-family dwellings.

Recreational fire and barbecue guidelines for multi-family structures with three or more dwellings:

Fires or portable barbecues are not allowed within 15 feet of the building.
Fires or portable barbecues are not allowed on any balcony or deck.
Grills that are permanently mounted, wired or plumbed to the building’s gas supply or electrical system, with a minimum of 18 inches open on all sides, may be installed on balconies and patios when approved by the fire chief.

Open Burn Permits

Open burn permits are required for any fire that exceeds 3 feet by 3 feet and is not classified as a recreational fire. This helps ensure that fires are properly managed in Plymouth. Burn permits will not be approved if another method of disposal exists. Yard waste should be brought to the Yard Waste Site, 14900 23rd Ave. N.

Open burn permits are required year-round. Please allow at least two business days for a permit application to be processed. Once a permit is issued, it is only valid for one week. The permit fee is $100.

Permits are issued at the Fire Department’s administrative office, located at Plymouth Fire Station 2, 12000 Old Rockford Road. Office hours are 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Open Burn Permit Application
The application below provides additional detail regarding open burning permit requirements.

Open Burning Permit Application (PDF)

Burning Bans

Contact
Plymouth Fire Department
Fire Station 2 | 12000 Old Rockford Road | Plymouth, MN 55441
P 763-509-5120 | F 763-509-5142 | fire@plymouthmn.gov

Free viewers are required for some of the attached documents.
They can be downloaded by clicking on the icons below.

Word Viewer