Whether it’s sitting around with friends or making s’mores, you need to be prepared whenever you build a backyard fire.

Burning wood can affect local air quality by increasing harmful pollutants in the air, which create health risks for the community. It is illegal to burn when the air quality is poor. Sign up for air quality notifications to receive air quality alerts in real-time.

Follow safety steps to be a good neighbor

Wood smoke is especially harmful to older adults, children, and those with asthma.

• Let your neighbors know before you start a backyard fire. It’ll give them a chance to close their windows.
• Limit the number of fires and consider a different location if your backyard is too close to your neighbors.
• Don’t leave a fire unattended.
• Burn only untreated, unpainted, dry wood to reduce the amount of smoke. The best way to do this is to test wood with a moisture meter before burning.
• Never burn cardboard boxes, trash, or debris because the smoke can be toxic.

‘’As a resident of Minneapolis I never have a recreational fire in my backyard. It’s too small of a space and I’m concerned about air quality. If people are going to have a fire in their backyard, I encourage them to learn about safe ways to have a fire and follow Minneapolis recreational fire rules,’’ says Jenni Lansing, Senior Environmental Project Manager with the Health Department.

Perform safety checks

• Make sure the fire is 25 feet away from a building and has a barrier around it.
• Keep a fire extinguisher and bucket of water or hose nearby.
• Don’t burn a fire when the wind exceeds 10 mph.

Unlicensed open burning or recreational fire can result in fines starting at $200. If you think someone is violating the rules call 311.

Permit regulations

• Minneapolis allows outdoor recreational fires from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m.
• Keep your fires less than 3 feet in diameter and 2 feet high.
• Don’t leave fire unsupervised and be accompanied by someone 18 years or older.
• Don’t burn if the air quality is poor.

Learn more about City rules for Recreational Fires. 

Visit the Environmental Protection Agency’s Burn Wise webpage to learn more.