Have Fun & Be Safe at Backyard Fires
Outdoor fires are great any time of the year. Be sure you know what’s allowed in Eagan and that you get a recreational fire permit each year.
Recreational fires are allowed in Eagan but now need a free annual permit.
The free permits expire on December 31, each year. All other rules related to recreational fires remain but permit holders will be required to read and know this section of the City Code
You must abide by these rules now and in the future:
- You must have a valid permit each year in order to have a recreational fire. You will receive a PDF document to retain for your records once you have completed the permit form (below). Your name and address will also be listed in the Fire Department database.
- The Fire Chief has the authority to revoke a recreational fire permit when a permit holder has two or more violations within a 12-month period.
- Fire pits or containers must be placed at least 25 feet from any home or other flammable structure like a deck, fence or shed. Fires need to be at least 10 feet away from property lines.
- Someone over age 18 must be attending the fire at all times.
- Fire pits can't be used on wood, composite or flammable decks or patios.
- Your fire can’t be more than 3 feet wide, 3 feet long, or three feet high.
- 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. This includes but is not limited to:
- chemically treated fireplace logs
- treated, painted, stained, or glued woods, such as plywood or particleboard
- 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 violates these rules or if it is not supervised by an adult. All fires are subject to be extinguished at the direction of the Fire or Police Department.
- 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.
Note: Outdoor fireplaces have a different set of regulations and require a Building Permit prior to construction. Homeowner and neighborhood association rules may further restrict recreational fires at your specific address. Please be aware of any additional restrictions in place.
Remember to be a good neighbor when having a recreational fire. Keep in mind that not everyone loves the smell or smoke from a fire. More questions? Specific new ordinance information is attached for Recreational Fires (Eagan City Code Chapter 10, Section 10.40, Subd. 6. has been updated and adopted by the City Council but is not yet reflected on the City's Mini-code site.) You can also call the Fire Marshal at (651) 675-5905. If a neighbor is in violation of the code, please share this information and if needed, call 9-1-1 and make a report of improper burning (for emergency and non-emergency situations).
Apply for a Recreational Fire Permit
This annual permit is free and good through December 31 each year. Permit holders are required to read and agree that they know the City Code rules related to recreational fire placement and management. View the City Code related to recreational fires before you complete this permit.
