Recreational Fires Within The City of Rochester
Open burning prohibited within the City of Rochester:
Open burning is prohibited within the Rochester City Limits unless approval has been granted by special Fire Department Permit.
Recreational fires within the City of Rochester:
Recreational Fires are only permitted within the Rochester city limits in accordance with Rochester Code of Ordinances (ROC) Chapter 141; Minnesota State Statute 88.16, 88.17, 88.22 and Rochester Fire Code (RFC) Section 307.4.2 and 307.5
Definition of recreational fire:
The burning of materials, other than rubbish, contained in an outdoor fireplace, barbecue grill, or pit and with a fuel area 3 feet or less in diameter and 2 feet or less in height, for pleasure, religious, ceremonial, cooking or similar purpose.
Recreational fires shall be conducted in accordance with the following:
The purpose of the fire must be recreational and not to dispose of refuse, household waste, leaves, brush, trees, or construction materials. The fuel may only be charcoal or fire wood cut for that purpose. RCO 141.12
The fire must not be greater than 3 feet in diameter and shall not be conducted within 25 feet of structures, and combustible materials or 15 feet if contained within an *approved barbecue pit or grill. Conditions, which could cause the fire to spread to within 25 feet of a structure, shall be eliminated prior to ignition. RFC 307.4.2
*An approved barbecue grill or outdoor fireplace must be designed, built and marketed specifically for outdoor cooking or burning. These appliances must be used in accordance with the manufacture's recommendations.
*An approved barbecue pit or ring is not larger than 36 inches in diameter or 9 square feet constructed of noncombustible materials and provides a 12" minimum enclosure depth above materials to be burned.
Fire extinguishing equipment such as buckets, shovels, garden hose or fire extinguisher, having a 4A rating, must be available to extinguish and control the fire. RFC 307.5
A person knowledgeable in fire safety and extinguishment shall be in attendance at all times, until the fire is completely extinguished. When extinguished, the fire must not be allowed to smolder. RFC 307.5
If a fire company arrives at a residence because of a recreational fire:
The fire must be immediately extinguished if the Chief or Fire Officer on scene determines the fire constitutes a hazardous condition. RFC 307.3
The Rochester Fire Department has no authority to address concerns or complaints regarding smoke odors related to recreational fires conducted in accordance with these rules.
To reduce unnecessary fire calls:
It is recommended that you call Fire Dispatch at 328-2830 prior to starting a recreational fire giving your name, address, and telephone number.
Click here to view and print an informational brochure that contains this information in .pdf format.