Fergus Falls, MN
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City of Fergus Falls Burning Permits
The Fergus Falls Fire Department issues two types of burning permits to city residents: Recreational Burning Permits (campfires), and Open Burning Permits (brush piles, running grass fires, etc.). We know that bonfires in the back yard with family and friends are fun, but we want them to be safe too. Be sure to read and understand the rules about Recreational Fires so the Fire Department doesn't end up as a guest of your next campfire!
Recreational Burning Permits
Recreational Burning Permits are required within the city limits. There are two different types of recreational permits:
- Rental Property Tenant Permit – Issued to residents that do not own the property. Permission is required from the land owner prior to permit being issued. The permit is valid until the end of the calendar year in which is issued.
- Owner Occupied Permit – Issued to owner of property. Permit is valid until permittee moves from the address under which the permit was issued.
You can also stop by the Fire Department Monday-Friday from 8:00 am-4:30 pm at 325 E. Washington Ave. (Call 736-6983 prior to stopping in)
Open Burning Permits
Open Burning Permits are required when you want to burn a pile of brush, an area less than 1 acre of grass, leaves, old hay, etc,.
- Open Burning Permit (City) - Open Burning Permits are not issued inside the City limits unless special permission is given by the Chief.
- Open Burning Permit (Rural) – To obtain an Open Burning Permit in the rural area around Fergus Falls you can call the local DNR office at 739-7576 or acquire a permit online from the Minnesota DNR’s website at: http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/burningpermits. The fee for this permit is $5.00. The permit is valid until the end of the calendar year in which the permit is acquired.
Safe Burning Tips
Only firewood is allowed to be burned inside the city limits. Permits are required for burning.
Open burning permits are needed for brush piles, running grass fires, etc. and are good outside of the city limits.
- Get an open burning permit
- Follow all open burning laws and regulations
- Burn small piles that can be controlled
- Tend to the fire until it is completely out
- If the fire escapes, the homeowner is responsible for suppression costs and damages
- Recreational burning permit applications must be picked up, completed and returned to the Fire Hall for approval prior to any burning.
- All recreational fires can be no larger than three feet around and have flames no higher than three feet.
- Be sure to check the Minnesota DNR website in regards to the latest burning conditions.
Please be aware, every spring the Minnesota DNR puts burning restrictions on starting late April to early May. These restrictions usually last 5 to 6 weeks depending on how quickly things green up. This restriction only applies to Open Burning Permits.
Be sure to check the Minnesota DNR website for the latest fire danger rating (https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/forestry/fire/firerating_restrictions.html) prior to lighting any fire. Please be sure to conduct a safe burn.