Minnesota § 609.686 - FALSE FIRE ALARMS; TAMPERING WITH OR INJURING FIRE ALARM SYSTEM
Full text of Minnesota Minnesota Statutes § 609.686 — FALSE FIRE ALARMS; TAMPERING WITH OR INJURING FIRE ALARM SYSTEM, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 609.686. FALSE FIRE ALARMS; TAMPERING WITH OR INJURING FIRE ALARM SYSTEM
Subdivision 1.Misdemeanor.
Whoever intentionally gives a false alarm of fire, or unlawfully tampers or interferes with any fire alarm system, fire protection device, or the station or signal box of any fire alarm system or any auxiliary fire appliance, or unlawfully breaks, injures, defaces, or removes any such system, device, box or station, or unlawfully breaks, injures, destroys, disables, renders inoperable, or disturbs any of the wires, poles, or other supports and appliances connected with or forming a part of any fire alarm system or fire protection device or any auxiliary fire appliance is guilty of a misdemeanor.
Subd. 2.Felony.
Whoever violates subdivision 1 by tampering and knows or has reason to know that the tampering creates the potential for bodily harm or the tampering results in bodily harm is guilty of a felony and may be sentenced to imprisonment for not more than five years or to payment of a fine of not more than $10,000, or both.
Subd. 3.Tampering.
For purpose of this section, tampering means to intentionally disable, alter, or change the fire alarm system, fire protective device, or the station or signal box of any fire alarm system of any auxiliary fire appliance, with knowledge that it will be disabled or rendered inoperable.
History:
1971 c 77 s 1; 1993 c 326 art 5 s 10
Official Publication of the State of Minnesota
Revisor of Statutes
Source: official Minnesota text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Minnesota § 609.686
What does Minnesota Statutes § 609.686 cover?
Section 609.686 ("FALSE FIRE ALARMS; TAMPERING WITH OR INJURING FIRE ALARM SYSTEM") is part of the Minnesota Statutes, the codified statutory law of Minnesota. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Minnesota § 609.686?
A common citation format is "Minnesota Statutes § 609.686" (Minnesota). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Minnesota law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Minnesota official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Minnesota attorney.
How does Minnesota § 609.686 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Minnesota can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Minnesota.