Fire and Police Departments Remind Residents: Recreational Fires Need Permits, and Please Be Safe Around Fireworks

As the holiday week approaches and people plan their cook outs and bonfires, the Columbia Heights Fire Department would like to remind residents that recreational fires within the City limits require a permit.

Permits can be obtained in person at the Fire Department by an adult 18 years and older, seven days a week, from 8 am to 8 pm. Up to nine free daily permits can be obtained, or an annual permit may be purchased for a small fee. 

Firework Safety
The Fire and Police departments would also like to remind residents of firework safety with these safety tips: 

• Remember that if fireworks fly or explode, they’re illegal here in Minnesota. You can find a list of legal fireworks on the MN Department of Public Safety website here. 
 
• Use fireworks in an open area, away from houses and other structures

• Don’t let children run through the area

• Do not try to re-light a dud. Ever.

• Have a bucket of water for all the debris. Drop spent fireworks – even sparklers – into the bucket and not the grass.

Be safe and have fun this Fourth of July!