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Sun Current Guest Column

What is a Recreational Fire?

By Tom Jenson, Edina Fire Marshal
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What’s the definition of a recreational fire? I asked myself that question as our Department began updating our regulations on the popular outdoor activity earlier this spring. I thought I had the obvious answer. A recreational fire is the privilege offered to families and friends to (safely) kick-back around a crackling campfire for conversation, relaxation and maybe a s’more or two.

Turns out I wasn’t far off. The Minnesota State Fire Code defines a recreational fire as an outdoor fire used for pleasure, religious, ceremonial, cooking, warmth or similar purposes. However, when thinking back on my 10 years as Edina’s Fire Marshal, it became apparent that not everyone adheres to this interpretation.

All too often, I’ve seen an individual in his or her backyard burning twigs, leaves and other yard waste while cleaning up the mess left behind by winter or a summer storm. One eye is half on the fire and the other one-and-a-half are on a to-do list of outdoor chores.

Not only does this defeat the spirit of the backyard campfire, but in most cases, it also breaks the law. In Edina, recreational fires are permitted, but backyard burns are not. Recreational fires are a privilege. To help ensure safety and promote the proper use of the backyard campfire, please adhere to the following regulations:

• Obtain a recreational fire permit. Permits are required and may be obtained free-of-charge at Edina City Hall, 4801 W. 50th St. or online at www.CityofEdina.com/Fire.
• Call the Edina Fire Department Recreational Fire Hotline at 952-826-0398 to ensure that the fire danger index is low and no burning bans are in place.
• Notify your neighbors whenever possible. While recreational fires are allowed in the City, if smoke is blowing into your neighbor’s home, the Fire Department will ask you to put it out.
• Keep your backyard fire contained within a fire ring, pit or manufactured wood-burning appliance and never allow it to burn more than 3 feet in diameter and 2 feet high.
• Only burn split and dry fireplace wood a minimum of 1 inch in diameter – not construction materials or yard waste.
• Keep your recreational fire at least 25 feet away from all structures, 5 feet from any combustibles and 10 feet away from all property lines.
• Do not start a recreational fire if winds are over 15 mph.
  Always make sure a responsible person 18-years-of-age or older is tending to the fire.
• Keep a fire extinguisher, hose or bucket of water near your fire at all times and make sure your fire is completely extinguished before leaving it unattended.

Most importantly, NEVER use gasoline, oils, or combustible and flammable liquids to kindle or rekindle a fire.

Recreational fires should be just that, recreational. Follow the rules – and enjoy your s’mores!