Permits - Recreational Fires

Recreational fires are allowed in the Lake Johanna Fire Department districts. Recreational fires are not required to be reported to the fire department prior to the burn. However, the following rules apply. All residents who intend to have a recreational fire are responsible for abiding by the following rules and regulations.

• The fire can be no larger than 3 feet by 3 feet, and no higher than 3 feet.
• The fire must be constructed in a fire "ring" or pit at least 25 feet away from any combustible material or structure.
• The wind speed must be below 10 miles per hour.
• Flammable liquids or accelerant cannot be used to start any recreational fire.
• Any person having a recreational fire must be aware of any local burning restrictions which can be found here. If Ramsey County is listed in red for “No Open Burning – No Campfires Allowed” then recreational fires are not permitted.
• Any open burning is restricted to vegetative, non-polluting material, which cannot be practically composted or chipped. Only clean natural wood can be burned. Treated or painted wood, plastic, rubber, leaves and grass are not allowed.
• Buckets, shovels, garden hoses or a fire extinguisher with a minimum 4-A rating shall be readily available for use at recreational fires.
• A person knowledgeable in the use of fire extinguishing equipment shall constantly attend the fire. An attendant shall supervise a recreational fire until such fire has been completely extinguished.
• The fire department is authorized to require that recreational fires be immediately discontinued if the fire department determines that smoke emissions are offensive to occupants of surrounding property or if the fire is determined to constitute a hazardous condition.

Violation of any of the above rules will result in the immediate extinguishment of the fire. These and any other violations of the open burning laws could result in loss of the right to have recreational fires and also may be cause for a citation, with fines of $150 or more, to be written.