2008 GUIDELINES FOR RECREATIONAL FIRES
 
A Recreational fire is an outdoor fire, where the fuel or material being burned, is not in a contained incinerator, outdoor fireplace, barbeque grill or pit, and is used for pleasure, religious, ceremonial, cooking, warmth or similar purposes. A recreational fire has a maximum fuel area of 3 ft. or less, in diameter by 2 ft. or less, in height. A permit issued by the Minot Fire Department is required for fires of larger size or other uses.

Guidelines for Conducting Recreational Fires:

1. A recreational fire shall not be located within 25 ft. of structures or conditions such as dry grass, leaves or combustible materials that will cause a fire to spread within 25 ft. of any structure.
   
   
2. Recreational fires are not allowed during a declared fire ban or when the rangeland fire danger index is in the extreme category.
                                                                    
3. Only untreated wood with a recommended diameter of at least 1 in. may be burned.  No brush, yard waste, or rubbish is to be burned in a recreational fire. 
   
   
4. Recreational fires must be located on private property and have approval from all involved parties. Recreational fires are not allowed in easements or right of ways.
   
   
5. A cellular or portable phone or other means of reporting an emergency must be available.
   
   
6. Recreational fires are not allowed in winds in excess of 15 miles per hour as determined by the Weather Channel cable access channel 15.
   
   
7. Recreational fires must be attended until extinguished and a garden hose, dirt, water barrel, fire extinguisher or other means of controlling and extinguishing the fire shall be available for immediate utilization.
   
   
8. Recommended hours for conducting recreational fires are 7:00 a.m. to 12:00 a.m. (midnight)
   
   
9. Any Fire or Police Officer may withdraw permission to conduct a recreational fire due to climatic conditions such as extreme dryness, nuisance problems, or violations of these guidelines.
   
   
10. Fires in approved and UL listed containers equipped with screens and spark arrestors, must be located a minimum of 15 ft. from structures and combustible materials with all other guidelines applying to these types of fires.
    
    
11. Cooking devices utilizing charcoal or LP (propane) must be located a minimum of 10 ft. from combustible construction with the exception of 1(one) and 2 (two) family dwellings and this use may be restricted during a declared fire ban.

For additional information contact, Fire Marshal Edward Hausauer
Minot Fire Department, Email: hausauer@web.ci.minot.nd.us (701) 857-4740