Fire FAQs
Q: Are Recreational Fires Allowed in the City of Albert Lea?
A: Recreational fires are allowed without a permit in the City of Albert Lea as long as the following provisions of the City of Albert Lea Ordinance (Sec. 30-2), Minnesota State Fire Code, and the Department of Natural Resources are met.
Section 302.1 Definitions.
RECREATIONAL FIRE. An outdoor fire burning only seasoned firewood, where the fuel being burned is not contained in an incinerator, outdoor fireplace, barbeque grill or barbeque pit and has a total fuel area of 3 feet (914 mm) or less in diameter and 2 feet (610 mm) or less in height for pleasure, religious, ceremonial, cooking, warmth or similar purposes.
307.4.2 Location. Recreational fires shall not be conducted within 25 feet (7620 mm) of a structure or combustible material, unless the fire is contained in a barbeque pit. Conditions which could cause a fire to spread within 25 feet of a structure shall be eliminated prior to ignition. Recreational fires that will be offensive or objectionable due to smoke or odor emissions when atmospheric conditions or local circumstances make such fires hazardous shall be prohibited.
Fire-extinguishing equipment. buckets, shovels, garden hoses or a fire extinguisher with a minimum 4-A rating shall be readily available for use at recreational fires.
307.5 Attendance. Open burning, bonfires or recreational fires shall be constantly attended by a competent adult at all times until the fire is extinguished. A minimum of one portable fire extinguisher complying with Section 906, 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.
Discontinuance. The Deputy Fire Chief may prohibit all open burning, domestic fires and recreational fires when atmospheric conditions or local circumstances make such fires hazardous.
Revised July 7, 2017
Q: Why is my carbon monoxide/smoke detector chirping?
A: If it is sounding like an alarm, exit immediately and call 911. If it is chirping once every thirty seconds or so, it probably has a bad battery. We recommend replacing batteries once a year.
Q: Can I burn my leaves or yard waste?
A: No. The city will take most yard waste at the city landfill for a small fee.
Q: Where is the best location to install my smoke detector?