Woodbury Officials Issue Guidelines For Recreational Fire

Press release from the City of Woodbury:

July 15, 2020

Many residents enjoy relaxing around a backyard campfire, but it's important to be a good neighbor and know the rules. The most common complaint is of noxious smoke, and it is imperative to understand the ordinance before lighting a recreational fire.

Recreational fires

The city does not require residents to obtain a permit for a recreational fire, but residents must follow these guidelines or you may be asked to extinguish the fire or cited for violations:

• Recreational fires are allowed to a maximum 3 feet in diameter at the base. In addition, the flames should be no higher than 3 feet.
• Only natural wood may be burned. Treated or painted wood, plastic, rubber, leaves, grass and brush are NOT allowed. Yard waste should be taken to a compost site or placed at the curb for pickup by your trash hauler.
• Recreational fires shall be constantly attended until the fire is completely extinguished.
• Fires shall not be conducted within 15 feet of a structure or combustible material. Recreational fires shall take place on the owner's property and be a minimum of 5 feet from property lines.
• A minimum of one portable fire extinguisher with a minimum 4-A rating or other approved on-site fire extinguishing equipment, such as dirt, water barrel, or garden hose, shall be available for immediate use.
• The fire must be extinguished if it becomes a nuisance to others or if not under supervision.
• Recreational fires are not allowed on decks of multi-tenant dwellings.

People like to open their windows and invite the fresh air into their homes. A neighbor's fire can be the cause of discomfort if the smoke and smell invade someone's home through an open window, especially if they have asthma or another respiratory issues. By burning only clean, natural wood in your recreational fire, you greatly reduce the risk of your fire becoming a nuisance to others. It is important to be considerate of your neighbors and remember that the smoke and smell of a recreational fire can travel a great distance. Recreational Fire Guidelines

Brush fires

Unlike recreational fires, a brush fire burning permit is required prior to having a brush fire. There is no charge for a permit. Brush fire permit forms are available on the city's website. Completed forms should be emailed to fire@woodburymn.gov. A site inspection will be conducted prior to issuance of a brush fire permit. A signed copy of the permit must be retained by the homeowner.

In addition to obtaining a permit, you must follow these guidelines:

• Brush fires are allowed to a maximum of 6 feet in diameter and are limited to daylight hours. Pieces to be burned shall not exceed 4 inches in diameter.
• Only natural wood may be burned. Burning of treated or painted wood, plastic, rubber, leaves or grass is not allowed.

In addition, all fires - recreational and brush - should not produce excessive smoke or soot, becoming a nuisance to your neighbors. Residents who have concerns about a neighbor's fire are encouraged to discuss the matter with that neighbor. If concerns cannot be resolved, a public safety official would be willing to work with those involved to improve the situation. In some cases, a fire may be ordered extinguished.

Burning bans

A burn ban may be issued by the commissioner of the Department of Natural Resources or any other unit of government for various areas of the state. When a ban is issued that affects Woodbury, no burning is allowed to take place until the ban is lifted.If you have questions, contact the Public Safety Department at 651-714-3600. If you observe a violation occurring, call 911.

This press release was produced by the City of Woodbury. The views expressed here are the author’s own.