Minnesota § 88.16 - STARTING AND REPORTING FIRES
Full text of Minnesota Minnesota Statutes § 88.16 — STARTING AND REPORTING FIRES, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 88.16. STARTING AND REPORTING FIRES
Subdivision 1.Written permission required.
Except as provided in subdivision 2, and section 88.17, it shall be unlawful to start or have any open fire without the written permission of the commissioner, a forest officer, or an authorized fire warden.
Subd. 2.Exceptions.
No permit is required for the following fires:
(1) a fire started when the ground is snow covered;
(2) a campfire;
(3) a fire contained in a charcoal grill, camp stove, or other device designed for the purpose of cooking or heating; or
(4) a fire to burn dried vegetative materials and other materials allowed by Minnesota statutes or official state rules and regulations in a burner of a design which has been approved by the commissioner and with which there is no combustible material within five feet of the base of the burner and is in use only between the hours of 6:00 p.m. and 8:00 a.m. of the following day, when the ground is not snow covered.
Subd. 3.Report of fire; penalty.
The occupant of any property upon which any unauthorized fire is burning, whether the fire was started by the occupant or otherwise, shall promptly report the fire to the nearest forestry office, fire department, or other proper authority. Failure to make this report shall be a misdemeanor and the occupant of the premises shall be deemed prima facie guilty of negligence if the unreported fire spreads from the property or causes damage, loss, or injury to another person, that person's property, or the state.
History:
(4031-22) 1925 c 407 s 22; 1967 c 146 s 12; 1969 c 410 s 1; 1978 c 735 s 3; 1986 c 444; 1993 c 328 s 24; 2022 c 55 art 1 s 19
Official Publication of the State of Minnesota
Revisor of Statutes
Frequently Asked Questions About Minnesota § 88.16
What does Minnesota Statutes § 88.16 cover?
Section 88.16 ("STARTING AND REPORTING FIRES") 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 § 88.16?
A common citation format is "Minnesota Statutes § 88.16" (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 § 88.16 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.