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The City of Hopkins uses the State of Minnesota rules regarding open burning and permits for open burning. Combination City of Hopkins and Department of Natural Resources (DNR) permits are issued by the Hopkins Fire Marshal. In accordance with the DNR rules, permits are not required for recreational fires. MN Statutes 1997, Chapter 88 (DNR) says:

Fires set for recreational, ceremonial, food preparation, or social purposes are allowed and do not require the agency permit. (The exception is during a burning ban)

  • The material to be burned must be limited to a pile no larger that 3 ft. in diameter by 3 ft. high.
  • Only unpainted and untreated wood, coal, or charcoal may be burned.

Minnesota rules define "Open Burning" as a means of burning of any matter if the resultant combustion products are emitted directly into the atmosphere without passing into a stack, duct, or chimney.

We receive many calls from people wishing to have camp fires in their back yards. Recreational fires meeting requirements above are allowed in Hopkins without a permit. These fires however must be in accordance with the Hopkins City Code 905 and the Minnesota Uniform Fire Code 1102.4 as outlined below:

  • Location. Recreational fires shall not be conducted within 25 feet (7620 mm) of a structure or combustible material unless contained in a barbecue pit. Conditions which could cause a fire to spread to within 25 feet (7620 mm) of a structure shall be eliminated prior to ignition.
  • Fire-extinguishing equipment. Buckets, shovels, garden hoses or a fire extinguisher with a minimum 4-A rating shall be readily available for use at recreational fires.
  • Attendance. Recreational fires shall be constantly attended by a person knowledgeable in the use of the fire-extinguishing equipment required by Section 1102.4.3. An attendant shall supervise a recreational fire until such fire has been extinguished.
  • Discontinuance. The chief is authorized to require that recreational fires be immediately discontinued if such fires are determined by the chief to constitute a hazardous condition.

If you are concerned neighbors might confuse your recreational fire with a destructive one and call "911", you may call the Hopkins Police and Fire Dispatcher at 952-938-8885 and tell them you are having a recreational fire.

If a neighbor complains because of smoke or fear of the fire spreading it will be considered a "Public Nuisance" and the fire required to be extinguished. Be a good neighbor. Keep your fire well away from the property line. Use only clean dry wood. Don't allow the fire to smolder. Keep it burning good and hot to minimize smoke.