Fire

The Prior Lake Fire Department is committed to providing the highest quality emergency response, fire suppression, fire prevention education, and environmental preservation to the cities of Prior Lake, Credit River, and Spring Lake Township.

The Fire Department provides 24-hour fire, rescue, and EMS service to the residents and businesses that encompass the three communities which span 74 square miles and serve a population of nearly 40,000.

firefighter showing children equipment helmet with firefighters

BURN PERMIT

Beginning January 1, 2026, the Minnesota DNR made changes regarding the process for obtaining open burning permits. The Minnesota DNR will now issue all burn permits within the Prior Lake Fire Department service area.

Permits are available here: https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/forestry/fire/questions.html

Please check in advance for current burning restrictions:
https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/forestry/fire/firerating_restrictions.html

Contact the Minnesota DNR with any questions regarding open burning permits at 651-296-6157 or email at info.dnr@state.mn.us.

Prairie Grass Burns (running fires): Contact the DNR Forestry at (507) 765-2740 for variance approval of prairie grass burns. For prairie grass burns or running fires, you must have a parcel/property area that is two or more acres in size and the area you are burning must be at least 1/2 acre in size. You must contract with a company specializing in prescribed burning and the burn must have pre-approval from the MN DNR Forestry Office.

Recreational Fires: Burning Permits are not required for recreational fires that are 3’x3’ or less in diameter. The only materials permitted in a recreational fire are wood from trees, small branches, or charcoal. Per State Fire Code, a recreational fire must be at least 25 feet from any structure or other combustible materials. The fire must be attended at all times, and you must always have an approved fire extinguisher (hose or bucket of water) readily available. Please do not burn during windy or dry conditions. NO burning barrels allowed.

The Prior Lake Fire Department, along with the Department of Natural Resources, encourages you to seek other alternatives such as chipping and/or composting. Remember AIR QUALITY is important to everyone, and we thank you for your cooperation.

For more information or questions please contact Prior Lake Fire Marshal at 952-440-3473.

Per Scott County Solid Waste Ordinance:

Although MN 88.171 allows the burning of untreated lumber; because all county residents have reasonable access to disposal and recycling for clean untreated lumber, the Scott County Solid Waste Ordinance prohibits the burning of any material other than vegetation for disposal (material prohibited that may be allowed elsewhere includes agricultural buildings, pallets, construction and demolitions debris, paper, cardboard, etc.)
Some burn permits still reference MN 17.135 which implies that paper or cardboard may be burned. Scott County passed a resolution in 1989 prohibiting the burning of all garbage, to include paper and cardboard, as all residents have reasonable access to local recycling and garbage service at their homes and farms.
MN 88.17 allows for a special permit for the operation of a permanent tree and brush burning site… if trees, tree trimmings, or brush cannot be disposal of by an alternative method such as chipping or composting. Since everyone in Scott County has reasonable access to chipping or composting facilities for tree waste, Scott County has prohibited the burning of vegetation brought in from off site for burning by businesses.

CHILD PASSENGER SAFETY/CAR SEAT INSPECTION/FITTING REQUEST

FAQs

Are permits required for recreational fires?

No. Burn permits are not required for recreational fires that are 3’x3’ or less in diameter. The only materials permitted in a recreational fire is wood from trees, small branches, or charcoal.

Yard waste such as leaves and grass cannot be burned in recreational fires.

Recreational fires must be at least 25 feet away from structures or other combustible material and should be in an approved fire ring or outdoor fireplace. An approved fire extinguisher or garden hose must always be available, and fires are required to be fully extinguished when not attended. Recreational fires during windy or dry conditions or during state mandated burning bans are not permitted. Burn permits are required for any open burning larger than 3’x3’ in diameter.
Carbon Monoxide

A carbon monoxide (CO) is colorless, odorless and tasteless gas that is rarely noticed and can be fatal. A CO detector is a device that detects the presence of carbon monoxide and sounds an alarm when dangerous CO levels develop. Install CO alarms on every level of the home and outside every bedroom to prevent being overcome by poisoning while sleeping.

CO detectors should be replaced every 5-7 years from the date of manufacture, which can usually be located on the back of your CO detector. Replace the batteries in your CO detector every six months when you change your smoke detector batteries. If the alarm “chirps" to warn the batteries are low, replace the batteries immediately.

Symptoms of CO poisoning can range from headache, nausea and ringing in ears to lethargy or losing consciousness, as well as eye and skin irritation. If you experience these symptoms consistently, immediately seek medical help.

More FAQs