South Dakota § 5-4-15 - Misdemeanor to start open fire on public lands except in established fireplace.
Full text of South Dakota South Dakota Codified Laws § 5-4-15 — Misdemeanor to start open fire on public lands except in established fireplace., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 5-4-15. Misdemeanor to start open fire on public lands except in established fireplace.
Except in the Black Hills Forest Fire Protection District where it is a Class 1 misdemeanor, it is a Class 2 misdemeanor for any person to start or allow to start an open fire on public lands owned, leased, controlled, or managed by the state or any political subdivision of the state unless the fire is set in an established fireplace approved or provided by the respective governmental entity. This section does not apply to persons authorized by the state or any political subdivision of the state to start fires on such lands within the jurisdiction of the respective governmental entity or to fires on shoreline barren of vegetation which do not constitute an apparent risk of fire to surrounding vegetation not located within a state, county, or municipal park, state recreation area, or nature preserve.
Source: SL 1997, ch 239, § 1.
Source: official South Dakota text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About South Dakota § 5-4-15
What does South Dakota Codified Laws § 5-4-15 cover?
Section 5-4-15 ("Misdemeanor to start open fire on public lands except in established fireplace.") is part of the South Dakota Codified Laws, the codified statutory law of South Dakota. 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 South Dakota § 5-4-15?
A common citation format is "South Dakota Codified Laws § 5-4-15" (South Dakota). 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 South Dakota law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the South Dakota official source linked on this page or consult a licensed South Dakota attorney.
How does South Dakota § 5-4-15 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in South Dakota 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 South Dakota.