Recreational fires

Recreational fires are allowed without a permit in the City of Hastings
as long as the following provisions of the Minnesota State Fire Code
and the Department of Natural Resources are met.

Size: The maximum height of flames are 3 feet, and the maximum
diameter of the fire pit is 3 feet.

Clearance: Recreational fires must be at least 25’ from all buildings
or combustible materials. Combustible materials are things such as
wood, paper and plastics. Conditions which could cause a fire to
spread within 25’ of a structure shall be eliminated prior to ignition
(2007 MSFC 307.4.2).

Attendance: Recreational fires must be constantly attended until the
fire burns out completely or is extinguished (2007 MSFC 307.5).

Fire Protection: On-site fire extinguishing equipment, such as a
portable fire extinguisher with a minimum 4A rating, dirt or sand and a
shovel or a garden hose shall be readily available at all times until the
fire is extinguished (2007 MSFC 307.5).

Permitted Materials: The only materials permitted in a recreational
fire are wood from trees, small branches, brush or charcoal. Treated
lumber materials, construction debris, garbage, plastic materials or
waste materials are not allowed to be burned in recreational fires (MN
State Statute 88.171).

Extinguishment Authority: Recreational fires must be immediately
extinguished if they pose a fire safety risk, if they are not in compliance
with the above, or when directed to do so by a police officer, firefighter,
fire warden or DNR officer (2007 MSFC 307.3). Smoke which
is offensive to neighbors, while not necessarily hazardous, may lead
to further restrictions. Exercising due caution and common courtesy
will help preserve your rights to have a recreational fire.

Call the Hastings Fire Department at 480-6150 for additional information.