Spring Reminder: Recreational Fire Rules in Eagan

Did you know that you cannot burn leaves or yard waste in backyard bonfires in Eagan? Or that city regulations require recreational fires to be at least 25 feet from the nearest structure?

Eagan Fire Chief Mike Scott said the number of complaints the Eagan Fire Department receives about recreational fires spikes in the spring and fall, when more residents are outside enjoying the weather and doing yardwork. The city is also considering an ordinance amendment that could prohibit recreational fires during overnight hours in Eagan.

For those two reasons, Eagan Patch thought it would be an opportune time to fill in local residents on the city's current regulations regarding recreational fires. Here's a list of the recreational fire rules, as stipulated in the Eagan City Code.

• Fires must be a minimum of 25 feet from all combustible materials, including homes, decks, fences and other structures.

• All fire must be contained within a fire pit, fire bowl or other free-standing container manufactured for the sole purpose of recreational fires.

• Fire pits must be constructed of and completely surrounded by non-combustible materials, and must be located at least 10 feet from property lines.

• The size of the fire shall not exceed 3 feet by 3 feet by 3 feet.

• Only clean, unpainted and untreated wood or cooking charcoal may be burned.

• Chemically-treated products and yard waste, including but not limited to chemically-treated fireplace logs; treated, painted, stained of glued woods like plywood or particle board; leaves; grass clippings and other garden vegetation shall not be burned.

• No fires are allowed if winds are greater than 15 mph.

• A garden hose attached to a water supply or other approved fire extinguishing device must be readily available at the location of the recreational fire.

• The fire must be attended at all times by a person over 18 years in age.

• The fire must be extinguished if it becomes offensive to others or if not under supervision by an adult.

• All fires are subject to extinguishment at the direction of the fire or police departments.