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Burn Restrictions
Outdoor Burning Activities Allowed within the City of Bismarck
Exceptions based on fire weather and other conditions are noted below each outdoor burning activity.
Note: Visit the North Dakota Fire Declarations and Burn Restrictions Map for more information. Burn restrictions are in place within the City of Bismarck when the fire index is at a very high or extreme level, or any time during a red flag warning.
Outdoor Cooking
Outdoor Fireplace
Recreational Fires
The use of solid fuel cooking devices, outdoor portable fireplaces, and recreational outdoor fires using solid fuel are banned when the fire index is at the very high or extreme level and anytime during a red flag warning. Solid fuel includes wood, charcoal, and pellets. These devices may NOT be used on balconies at any time.
Charcoal burners and other open-flame cooking devices shall not be operated on combustible balconies or decks or within 10 feet of combustible construction.
In all rental occupancies- owner, landlord and rental policies can be more restrictive than city code.
The use of portable outdoor fireplaces shall be prohibited at all occupancy types, including one- and two-family dwellings, when atmospheric conditions or local circumstances make fires hazardous.
Portable outdoor fireplaces shall be used in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions and shall not be operated within 15 feet of a structure or combustible material. Portable outdoor fireplaces used at one- and two-family dwellings are exempt from the distance requirement from structures and combustible materials.
Recreational Fires shall be prohibited when atmospheric conditions or local circumstances make such fires hazardous.
Recreational fires shall not be conducted within 25 feet of a structure or combustible material.
Conditions that could cause a fire to spread within 25 feet of a structure shall be eliminated prior to ignition.
A recreational fire has a total fuel area of 3 feet or less in diameter and 2 feet or less in height.
Attending the Fire is Required
Open burning, bonfires, recreational fires, and the use of portable outdoor fireplaces shall be constantly attended until the fire is extinguished. Not fewer than one portable fire extinguisher with a minimum 4-A rating or other approved on-site fire-extinguishing equipment, such as dirt, sand, water barrel, garden hose, or water truck, shall be available for immediate utilization.
Extinguishment Authority
When any fire creates or adds to a hazardous situation, is offensive or objectionable due to smoke emissions, or a required permit for open burning has not been obtained, the fire code official is authorized to order the extinguishment of the fire.
Gas Grill
Gas Fire Pit
Patio Heater - Gas
Tiki Torch - Gas
These devices may be used at times when solid fuel devices are banned since these devices do not produce sparks. However, there are fire safety requirements that apply at all times, as noted below.
Gas Barbecue Grills are restricted to no more than one 20-pound cylinder. Gas grills should be located at least 10 feet from any structure.
Propane fire pits and patio heaters must be located at least 5 feet from the building and not within 5 feet of the nearest fire exit area. Large propane fire pits used for heating are prohibited from a balcony.
Tiki Torches and other portable open-flame decorative devices are to be installed or placed in such a manner as to avoid contact with combustible materials.
Outdoor Burning Activities Prohibited at All Times
Burning Trash
Fireworks
The burning of trash, rubbish, leaves, yard clippings, or construction materials is never allowed in the city limits of Bismarck.
The use of recreational fireworks requiring ignition (has a fuse) such as sparklers, rockets, fountains, etc is never allowed in the city limits of Bismarck.
To learn more about fire safety recommendations and requirements, visit our department's Prevention and Public Education section.
Burn Restrictions Within North Dakota but Outside Bismarck City Limits
Bismarck residents who may have plans to travel or camp outside of Bismarck City Limits and have questions about burn restrictions within North Dakota can plan ahead by reviewing the ND Response Burn Restrictions & Fire Danger Maps website.
Select the North Dakota Fire Declaration and Burn Restrictions Map to begin. Be sure to review all four tabs found at the top of the webpage. These four tabs are called Today's Burn Restrictions, Fire Danger Ratings, Red Flag Warnings, and Declarations. Here, you can learn about any county declarations (applicable burn restrictions) in place based on the status of today's fire danger rating and any red flag warnings for each county.
The Bismarck Fire Department does not manage the burn restriction map or determine the fire danger ratings. If you have any questions about the burn restrictions outside of Bismarck City Limits, contact the appropriate emergency management office based on your destination.