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Managing editor

New regulations for open burning, including recreational fires, are proposed by the Coon Rapids City Council.

The council has introduced an ordinance, which it will consider for adoption at its Nov. 4 meeting, to put the new regulations into effect Jan. 1, 2010.

The ordinance comes in response to many complaints from residents about recreational fires this year.

According to City Attorney Stoney Hiljus, the fire department has responded to many complaints about recreational fires in 2009 and in some cases, has been called to the same property multiple times.

“In addition, the council has heard multiple complaints from citizens about recreational fires in the community,” Hiljus said.

The proposed new regulations are the result of work by Hiljus and the fire department, including surveying how other cities control outdoor burning.

They include:

• Maximum size of a recreational fire stays at three by three feet.

• Only clean, dry wood can be used that produces little detectable smoke or soot beyond the property line.

• Still no burning of leaves, trash or brush allowed.

• Someone at least 18 years old must attend a recreational fire at all times.

• Burning between noon and midnight only, with a maximum time of six hours per fire.

• Only one recreational fire can take place on a property at one time.

• No recreational fires are allowed when wind speeds exceed 15 mph.

• Firefighters or police officers can order the fire to be put out if smoke is objectionable beyond the property line.

• Once ordered to be extinguished, the fire cannot be restarted for at least 12 hours and only if it then complies with all other requirements.

• The administrative penalty for a recreational fire violation increases to $75 from $40.

• For any second or third offense committed within 18 months of a prior violation the penalty doubles. The fine may be assessed against the property if it’s unpaid.

• Criminal prosecution may be brought for any offense if the severity of the violation justifies doing so.

Existing open burning/recreational fire regulations remain in effect this fall.

These changes have been made in response to resident concerns, according to Councilmember Joe Sidoti.

“This shows that we are listening and attempting to make it right,” Sidoti said.

While he liked the changes in the ordinance, Mayor Tim Howe said the council may want to look at the weekday burning hours proposed.

And Councilmember Scott Schulte said there may be an issue over the definition of objectionable beyond the property line.

Peter Bodley is at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it