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Fires

Recreational Fires (No permit needed)
Recreational fires are defined as an outdoor fire where wood from trees, small branches, brush, or charcoal is burned for the purpose of pleasure, religious, ceremonial, cooking, warmth, or similar purposes. Unless the fire is contained within an incinerator, outdoor fireplace, portable outdoor fireplace, barbecue grill or barbecue pit it shall not exceed a total fuel area of 3 feet or less in diameter and 2 feet or less in height. Recreational fires do not require a permit under the Minnesota State Fire Code, but the following conditions must be met:
 
  1. Recreational fires must be at least 25 feet from all buildings or combustible materials. Combustible materials are things such as wood, paper, and plastics. Portable outdoor fireplaces have a slightly different requirement and must be a least 15 feet from all combustibles and follow manufactures safety requirements. More detailed information on portable outdoor fireplaces can be found below.
  2. Conditions which could cause a fire to spread within 25 feet of a structure should be eliminated prior to burning.
  3. Recreational fires shall not be located within 10 feet from stationary/fixed LP-Gas containers.
  4. The fire must be constantly attended by a responsible adult (18 years of age or older) until the fire is extinguished.
  5. A garden hose hooked to a reliable water source or a fire extinguisher with a 4A rating must be immediately accessible.
  6. The wood or charcoal should be dry to lessen the smoke being produced. Prohibited materials include treated lumber, leaves, construction debris, garbage, plastic material, and yard waste.
  7. The Fire Department or Police Department may order extinguishment at any time, if it is determined that it presents a nuisance or hazard.
 
- Open-flame cooking devices (grills, charcoal burners, etc.) shall not be operated on combustible balconies or within ten (10) feet of combustible construction.
- It is highly recommended that a screen be placed over the fire.
- The property owner shall be solely liable for any damages that may occur as a result of the operation and use of a recreational fire within the city limits of Dilworth.
 
What may be enjoyable for you may not be enjoyable for your neighbors. Be a good neighbor and don't have a recreational fire on breezy days that will spread the smoke through the neighborhood or your neighbor’s house. Recreational fires are not permitted when winds in the area are more than 15 miles per hour.
 
Portable Outdoor Fireplaces (No permit needed)
Portable Outdoor Fireplaces are defined as a portable, outdoor, solid-fuel-burning fireplace that may be constructed of steel, concrete, clay or other noncombustible material. A portable outdoor fireplace may be open in design, or may be equipped with a small hearth opening and a short chimney or chimney opening in the top. Portable outdoor fireplaces shall be used in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions and shall not be operated within 15 feet of a structure or combustible material. They must also comply with items 2 through 7 for recreational fires above.
 
Bonfires (Permit required)
Large outdoor fire specifically for community groups activities, special events, and the like. A permit must be obtained from City Council.
 
Open Burning (Permit required)
Open Burning is defined as any fire larger than the dimensions for a recreational fire is considered “open burning”. Outdoor burning of natural vegetation is permitted for the disposal of branches, and natural vegetative material under certain circumstances.
Burning permits are required for township residents located in the Dilworth Fire District. This includes the townships of Moorhead, Kragnes and a limited area of Oakport. Permits are valid January to December each year.
- Open burning in the City of Dilworth is not permitted.
- No burning permits will be issued when a burning ban is in effect.
 
Permits
Permits are available at 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. City Hall, 2 First Avenue SE, Dilworth.
For questions relating to burning permits, please contact City Hall at 218-287-2313.
To find out if you are in Dilworth's fire district: FIND MY FIRE DISTRICT