Eagan Fire Department Sees Uptick in Illegal Fires

The Eagan fire department says it's seeing a dramatic uptick in reports of residents burning leaves this year. The burning of yard waste, including leaves, is not allowed in Eagan by city ordinance. Burning leaves creates toxic smoke that is hazardous to health and the environment. It can also create a significant fire hazard, according to a news release.

Recreational Fires

Many of us love to sit around a fire in the backyard with family and neighbors, enjoying good conversation, s’mores and other campfire treats. Recreational fires are allowed in Eagan without a permit, and you don’t need to contact the fire department if you plan to have one. But, there are a number of things you must keep in mind before you strike the match or click the lighter stick:

• Fire pits or fire containers must be placed at least 25 feet from your home or any other flammable structure like a deck, fence, shed, etc.). And, they need to be at least 10 feet away from your property lines.
• Someone over age 18 must be attending the fire at all times.
• All fires have to be contained within a fire pit or container specifically made for the purpose of recreational fires. No fire pit types can be used on a wood, composite or flammable deck or patio.
• Your fire can’t be more than 3 feet wide, 3 feet long or three feet tall.
• The kindling and wood you burn should be similar to what you would use in an indoor fireplace. Cut and split wood is best. Only clean, unpainted and untreated wood or cooking charcoal is allowed.
• You must not burn chemically treated products, yard waste, garbage or furniture, including but not limited to: chemically treated fireplace logs; treated, painted, stained or glued woods, such as plywood or particle board; or leaves (neither green nor dry), grass clippings or garden vegetation.
• Don’t light or continue your fire if winds are greater than 15 miles per hour.
• Keep a working garden hose and/or an approved fire extinguisher within arm’s reach while you are at your fire.
• The fire must be extinguished if it becomes offensive to others or if it is not supervised by an adult. All fires are subject to extinguishment at the direction of the fire or police department.
• Outdoor fireplaces have a different set of regulations and require a building permit prior to construction.
• When you are ready to end your fire, make sure it is completely extinguished before leaving the fire location. The Fire Department has responded to a number of fires caused by coals and embers that have smoldered and reignited, sometimes many hours after homeowners believed they were extinguished. Coals and embers should not be placed in a plastic or combustible container. They should not be brought into the garage or near your home or siding.

Remember to be a good neighbor when having a backyard fire. Keep in mind that not everyone loves the smell or smoke from a fire. Still have questions? Call the fire marshal at (651) 675-5905.

Image via City of Eagan