Might Be Safe Enough to Do This in Minnesota Now – Get a Permit

Rain.  seems like we've had a lot of that in the last couple of weeks.  And finally, we, an in Minnesota, are out of a severe drought.  Hopefully we stay out of that zone, but we also want some nice weather for outdoor activities as well.  It's nice to have a balance of the two.  And if it could leave the weekends alone?  Is that too much to ask, Mother Nature?

It's also that great time of year between winter ending, and there aren't any bugs to speak of quite yet.  Perfect time to have some bonfires out in the back yard with friends and maybe an adult beverage or two.

Here is the thing - I think we all know that we are supposed to get a permit from the city in order to have said bonfire in the backyard.  Whether you have it in a fire ring, or you have some other burning type of area.  There are some new things... new as in the last couple of years, but not everyone knows that this is a new policy.

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You used to be able to go online and purchase your permit. Just fill out the form, pay the $25 or whatever it was, and you get a receipt saying you are paid up and good to go.

That is no longer the case.

Now, you have to go and apply for your burning permit in person.  You can print and fill out your permit application online, then bring that in and drop it off in person at the St. Cloud Fire Department located on 10th Avenue North.

Permits are required for all recreational fires. Applicants MUST be the property owner. If the property is zoned as a rental property, property owners may fill out the application form giving permission to specific occupants. This permit allows for the burning of clean, dry firewood ONLY in an approved non-combustible ring or pit at least 8 inches in height or depth and maximum diameter of 36", located at least 25 feet from buildings or within an approved manufactured fireplace located at least 15 feet from buildings. Gas fire pits, due to open flame, require a permit also. Recreational Burning Permits are valid for the calendar year, 1/1 - 12/31.

So, even though the permit might seem like a formality, it is important that you have one.  You don't want to be caught without one.  The fine for that can be up to $1000 and up to 90 days in jail.  Obviously the fine and/or jail time would be on a case by case basis as to what penalty you would receive.