Press releases

Fire Department lifts burning ban

Edina, Minn., August 30, 2007 – The Edina Fire Department lifted a city-wide burning ban Aug. 17, 2007.

“With the large volume of rainfall, the burning ban is no longer necessary,” said Fire Chief Marty Scheerer. “Residents are free to host recreational fires, as long as they follow the rules put in place by the City.”

Recreational fires are allowed within City limits, with some stipulations. These include:

·         Recreational fires must be on private property and the property owner must first fill out an application for a permit.

·         Fires are not permitted between the hours of midnight and 7 a.m.

·         Neighbors must be notified about a planned recreational fire.

·         Fires must be contained within a fire ring, pit or similar device constructed for such use. 

·         Fires cannot be located within 25 feet of any structure unless contained in a fireplace or manufactured wood-burning appliance designed for burning wood and having an enclosed firebox and/or screening.

·         Fires in a wood-burning appliance cannot be located within 10 feet of structures.

·         The area within a five-foot radius around the fire must be reasonably clear of combustibles. The area directly above the fire must also be clear of all combustibles.

·         An approved form of fire extinguisher must be readily available at all times. This can be an extinguisher, hose or other equipment designed for such use.

·         The wood to be burned should be clean and produce little detectable smoke or odor.  Only split and dry fireplace wood a minimum of three inches in diameter should be used.  No treated wood, construction materials, yard waste (leaves, grass, twigs, etc.) can be burned. 

·         Oils, combustible and flammable liquids, rubber, plastics, chemically treated materials, construction materials, hazardous waste and rubbish and trash, cannot be burned or used as starting material. No flammable or combustible liquids can be used to kindle or rekindle a fire.

·         In all cases, the total fuel load of the fire must not exceed three feet in diameter and two feet in height.

·         The prevailing wind at the time of burning should be away from nearby residences and must be less than 15 mph.

·         Fires may be ordered extinguished and the permit revoked by the Fire Department if any recreational fire requirement is violated, if a fire hazard exists or develops, or the Fire Department receives valid complaints from neighbors regarding the fire or smoke. 

·         The fire must be attended at all times by at least one responsible person 18 years of age or older.

·         The fire must be completely extinguished before left unattended.  (Use care when extinguishing the fire to avoid throwing embers into the air and to prevent damage if a manufactured device is in use.)

For more information or to apply for a recreational fire permit, please visit www.CityofEdina.com/Fire and click on “permits,” or call 952-826-0398.