Bonfires on Park Property

Bonfires on park property are allowed only in designated fire rings and certain requirements must be met. No permit is required from Saint Paul Parks and Recreation or the Saint Paul Fire Department for a bonfire on park property as long as the following requirements are met:

  • All recreational bonfires shall be in designated fire rings only. See below for a list of designated fire ring locations.  
  • Maximum fuel area is 3 feet in diameter and 2 feet high.
  • Only clean burning firewood that is a minimum of one inch in diameter can be burned. No burning for disposal. No garbage, construction materials, or paper products can be burned.
  • All laws related to transporting firewood into the parks must be followed.
  • Any conditions that could cause a fire to spread shall be eliminated prior to ignition.
  • A means shall be provided to extinguish the fire. Example; buckets of water, shovels, garden hoses, or a minimum 4A fire extinguisher.
  • Fires shall be constantly attended by a person knowledgeable and capable of using the fire extinguishing equipment provided.
  • Fires shall not be ignited if the wind speed is 10 mph or more.
  • The Parks and Recreation Department, Fire Department, Police Department, or a DSI Fire Safety Inspector may order the fire to be discontinued if, in their opinion, the fire constitutes a hazardous condition or produces obnoxious smoke or odors that may cause a public nuisance.
  • Fires must be completely extinguished no later than 11:00 PM and the site cleaned and returned to pre-existing condition

Designated Fire Ring Locations

Designated fire rings for bonfires do not require reservations and are available at the following parks: 

  • Como Regional Park
    • The fire rings are located north of Como Ave in the picnic area. There are three fire rings available first-come, first-served.
  • Crosby Farm Regional Park
    • The fire ring at Crosby Farm Regional Park is located inside the picnic shelter and can be reserved as part of a shelter permit during the picnic season with payment of the applicable permit fee. Applications for permits must be made at least fourteen business days in advance of an event. 
  • East Side Heritage Park
    • The fire ring is located inside the picnic shelter. The shelter and fire ring are first-come, first-served.
  • Highland Park
    • The fire ring is located in the picnic area south of Montreal Ave. The fire ring is first-come, first-served.
  • Newell Park
    • The fire ring is located between the picnic shelter and the pavilion building. The fire ring is first-come, first-served.
  • Phalen Regional Park
    • The fire ring is located on the island near the picnic shelter. The fire ring is first-come, first-served.

Fire Ring Map

Last Edited: November 30, 2023