• The applicant is responsible for conducting, controlling and extinguishing the fire.
• The fire must be attended at all times and completely extinguished when through.
• The applicant must have a means of extinguishing the fire readily available.
• Acceptable means: A fire extinguisher with a minimum 4-A rating, dirt, sand, water (barrel, bucket or garden hose)
• The size of the fire shall not exceed three feet by three feet.
• Recreational fires must be a minimum of 10 feet off the property line.
• Newly installed permanent fire pits must be a minimum of 25 feet from structures and combustible materials. Permanent fire pits installed prior to June 24, 2017 are exempt from the 25-foot requirement.
• Portable, non-permanent outdoor fire pits and fireplaces must be used in accordance with their manufacturer’s instructions and must be a minimum of 15 feet from structures and combustible materials. 
• These are defined as outdoor, solid fuel burning fireplaces constructed of steel, concrete, clay or other non-combustible material. They may be open or equipped with a small hearth opening and a short chimney, or a chimney opening at the top.

• Wood must be a minimum of one inch or more in diameter, and must be dry, seasoned wood to minimize smoke.
• No trash, brush, leaves or treated lumber may be burned. Public Works provides a brush drop-off. For dates, times and additional information, please see the Brush Drop-Off page.
• The applicant agrees to extinguish their fire if the smoke is unreasonably offensive or injurious to others as determined by the city, if the fire creates a hazardous situation, or if the permit has not been renewed or proof of permit cannot be provided upon request.
• A recreational fire permit does not relieve the applicant from liability due to damage resulting from the fire or smoke.
• Permit holders should be considerate of neighbors when conducting a recreational fire. Be aware of the smoke traveling onto adjoining properties where people may have breathing problems such as asthma or emphysema.
• Natural gas and propane fire pits and fireplaces do not require a recreational fire permit. They must be installed and used in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions and must be located at least five feet from structures and combustible materials.

The following are not requirements but should be considered when conducting a recreational fire:

• Wind speeds should be at or below 10 miles per hour.
• The air quality index should be at or below 100 according to the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency.
• The DNR fire danger rating should be low or moderate according to the Department of Natural Resources.

Complete the Recreational Fire Permit Application form and request a "copy of your submission" to receive a recreational fire permit from the City of Minnetonka via email.

Please note: The acknowledgement email you receive after submitting your application is your fire permit.

• Print or save the emailed copy of the permit for your records; you will not receive a copy in the mail. If you don’t receive the email, check your junk and spam folders or complete the form again.   
• You must be able to present a printed or electronic copy of this permit to fire or police personnel upon request.
• Renew the permit annually. It is valid until Dec. 31 of the year it was issued.

Contact the Minnetonka Fire Department at 952-939-8598 with questions.