Fire Marshal

Applications


Grilling on Patios and Balconies

 Printable Handout for Grilling on Patios

Open Flame Prohibited – In any structure containing three or more dwelling units, no person shall kindle, maintain, or cause any fire or open flame on any balcony above ground level, or on any ground floor patio within 15 feet of a structure.

Fuel Storage Prohibited – No person shall store or use any fuel, barbecue, torch, or other similar heating or lighting chemical or device in the locations designated above.

Exception: Listed electric or gas-fired barbecue grills that are permanently mounted and wired or plumbed to the building’s gas supply or electrical system and that maintain a minimum clearance of 18 inches on all sides, unless listed for lesser clearances, may be installed on balconies and patios when approved.

Barbecuing in any environment presents certain hazards that people should consider so that they can take precautions to reduce the likelihood of starting a fire. 

Tips for Safer Grilling

  • Charcoal briquettes should be stored in a dry area because damp or wet charcoal is sensitive to spontaneous heating once dried.
  • The use and storage of barbecue grills should be restricted to the outdoors. Never use barbecue grills for home heating or indoor cooking.
  • Charcoal briquettes should be allowed to cool naturally a safe distance from structures and combustibles materials and then disposed of properly.
  • Charcoal lighter fluid should be properly stored, away from living areas of the home.
  • Propane cylinders shall be stored outside at least 20 feet from building openings such as windows and doors.


Recreational Fires

Printable Handout for Recreational Fires

Under the City Code, before you ignite a recreational fire, you need to verify if there are any restrictions on having a recreational fire that particular day. The Minnesota DNR website indicates where there are fire restrictions in the State (view map of state fire restrictions). If the colored map illustrates red over Dakota County no fires are permitted, recreational or otherwise. If the map shows any other color over Dakota County, recreational fires are allowed in Rosemount as long as the following provisions of the Minnesota State Fire Code and the Department of Natural Resources are met. There is no permit requirement for recreational fires in Rosemount although non-recreational fires within the City DO require a permit.

  • Size: The maximum height of flames are 2 feet, and the maximum diameter of the fire it is 3 feet.
  • Clearance: Recreational fires must be at least 25’ from all buildings or combustible materials. Combustible materials are things such as wood, paper and plastics. Conditions which could cause a fire to spread within 25’ of a structure shall be eliminated prior to ignition.
  • Attendance: Recreation fires must be constantly attended until the fire burns out completely or is extinguished.
  • Fire Protections: on-site fire extinguishing equipment, such as a portable fire extinguisher with a minimum 4A rating, dirt or sand and a shovel or a garden hose shall be readily available at all times until the fire is extinguished.
  • Extinguishment Authority: Recreational fires must be immediately extinguished if they pose a fire safety risk, if they are not in compliance with the above, or when directed to do so by a police officer, firefighter, fire warden or DNR officer. Smoke which is offensive to neighbors, while not necessarily hazardous, may lead to further restrictions. Exercising due caution and common courtesy will help preserve your rights to have a recreational fire.

Prohibited burning materials are:

  • Chemically treated materials such as railroad ties, treated lumber, composite shingles, tar paper, insulation, composition board, hazardous waste, garbage
  • Leaves
  • Brush
  • Oil
  • Rubber
  • Plastic
  • Tires

Contact Us

  1. Jon Phelps

    Chief Building Official & Fire Marshal
    Email Jon
    Phone: 651-322-2027
    More Information