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Burning and Fire Pits

  1. The outdoor fire pit or outdoor solid fuel receptacle shall be enclosed on all sides and constructed of masonry, concrete, heavy gauge metal or other non combustible materials.

  2. The outdoor fire pit shall not exceed 46 centimeters (18 inches) in depth when measured from the bottom of the pit to the top of the pit opening and shall be at least 150 mm (6 inches) in height when measured from the surrounding grade to the top of the pit opening.

  3. The outdoor fire pit or outdoor solid fuel receptacle opening shall not exceed 750 mm (2.5 feet) in diameter or an area of .56 sq.m (6 sq.ft.) and the width or length shall not be greater than 750 mm (2.5 feet).

  4. The outdoor portable fire pit or outdoor solid fuel receptacle shall be located on a flat, level, noncombustible base and vertically clear of any overhead combustible materials such as eaves, tree branches, utility wires etc.

  5. A noncombustible spark arrester, grill or mesh with openings no larger than 12 mm ( ½ x ½ ") shall be used to cover the entire area of the outdoor fire pit.

  6. The outdoor solid fuel fireplace chimney shall be equipped with a noncombustible spark arrestor, with openings no large than 12 mm ( ½ x ½” ) and cover the entire surface area of the chimney opening.

  7. A minimum clearance of 3 meters (10 feet) measured from the nearest fire pit edge shall be maintained from any combustible buildings or sheds or other combustible structures such as fences, trees, hydro poles. A minimum distance of 3 meters (10 feet) shall also be maintained from neighboring property lines.

  8. Outdoor solid fuel receptacles shall be installed as per the manufacture’s instructions if available and shall conform to all required clearances to combustible structures or materials. In no instance shall the required clearances be less than 3 meters (10 feet).

  9. When in use, outdoor fire pits and outdoor solid fuel receptacles shall be continuously supervised by an adult.

  10. Outdoor fire pits and outdoor solid fuel receptacles shall not be utilized during wind conditions exceeding 25 kilometers per hour (15 miles per hour) or during extreme drought conditions whereby utilization may cause an undue fire hazard.

  11. Only clean dry wood or charcoal briquettes may be burned in outdoor fire pits and outdoor solid fuel receptacles. Outdoor fire pits or outdoor solid fuel receptacles may not be utilized for burning of garbage, rubbish, debris, grass, leaves, previously painted or treated wood or any other fuel which when burned, may result in the release of dense smoke, or obnoxious odors.

  12. A means of extinguishment such as a portable fire extinguisher, pail of water, sand or garden hose shall be readily available on site. All fires must be completely extinguished before leaving the site.

  13. Do not burn wet or damp wood which may contribute greatly to heavy smoke propagation.

  14. All fire must be limited in size so that they are readily controllable. If at any time the fire extends beyond the outdoor fire pit or outdoor solid fuel receptacle, call the East St. Paul Fire Department at 911.