Recreational fires (bonfires) are permitted in Plymouth, provided that certain requirements are met. Please use caution and follow the requirements below.

Defining a Recreational Fire (Bonfire)

• Recreational fire sites include in-ground or above ground pits, fire rings, portable fire pits, bowls, chimeneas and other approved wood burning devices. 
• Mobile cooking devices such as manufactured hibachis, charcoal grills, wood smokers and propane or natural gas devices and burners are not defined as recreational fires.

Ordinance Requirements

• Fires must be contained within a fire ring, pit or similar device.
• Fires must be no larger than 3 feet in diameter and 3 feet in height.
• Fires must be at least 25 feet from any structure and the area within a 5-foot radius of the fire must be clear of combustible materials.
• Fire extinguishing equipment must always be readily available. This may be a fire extinguisher, garden hose or other equipment designed for such use.
• The fire must always be attended by at least one responsible person 18 years of age or older.
• Only clean, non-treated wood may be burned. Wood must be at least 1 inch in diameter and produce little smoke or odor.
• Flammable or combustible liquids, yard waste (branches, twigs, sticks, leaves or grass), garbage, recycling, plastic, furniture, construction materials or treated wood shall not be burned or used as starting materials.
• Winds must be less than 10 mph and blow away from nearby residences.
• Residents starting recreational fires must respect weather conditions, neighbors, burning bans and air quality so that nuisance, health or safety hazards are not created.
• Fires are prohibited when the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources has declared a burning ban (fire danger level is at or above Very High) or the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency has issued an air quality alert.

The fire chief, on-duty firefighters or police officers are authorized to order recreational fires to be immediately extinguished if smoke emissions are offensive, the fire constitutes a hazardous condition or if residents do not follow the set guidelines.

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