Open Burning Rules, Emphasizes Safety and Permit Requirements
September 1, 2025 — Watertown, SD
On September 1st 2025, WFR responded to three open burning complaints within the city limits. These three calls violated a portion of the open burning ordinance and all three had homeowners putting the fire out. Two of the calls were for open burning that was not contained within a burn pit or fireplace and the other was for burning dimensional lumber. As cooler temperatures arrive and residents begin preparing for fall and having recreational fires outside, Watertown Fire Rescue is reminding the public of the city’s open burning regulations to ensure community safety.
According to city ordinance, open burning refers to any outdoor fire — including bonfires, rubbish fires, or other open flames — where the fuel is not contained in a designated incinerator, outdoor fireplace, or barbecue grill. Permits are required for open burning in city limits or within 1 mile of city limits. These permits can be obtained from the Fire Chief or Fire Marshal.
However, not all outdoor fires require a permit. Recreational fires, which are smaller and used for cooking, ceremonies, or relaxation, are exempt — but still strictly regulated.
A recreational fire is defined as the burning of cut trees, charcoal, or commercial fire logs within a fire area no larger than three feet in diameter and two feet high. These fires must be contained in a secure device such as a fireplace or an earthen pit with sidewalls.
Additionally, all recreational fires must be located at least 10 feet away from structures and 10 feet away from any property lines, and a method to extinguish the fire — such as a fire extinguisher or garden hose — must be readily available. Commercially produced outdoor fireplaces may be used as long as the manufacturer's instructions are followed.
All open burning and recreational fires must be attended by an adult at all times while burning.
The ordinance also gives the Fire Department and law enforcement the authority to intervene if a fire or smoke results in a sustainable complaint from neighbors or poses a threat to persons or property, the property owner must put the fire out. If a property owner refuses to extinguish the fire when ordered, the fire may be put out by authorities, and the individual may receive a citation.
Campgrounds licensed by the South Dakota Department of Health or operated by the State of South Dakota are exempt from some of the recreational fire regulations.
As a reminder burning of leaves, grass, garden waste, and dimensional lumber is not considered to be a recreational fire.
Fire officials urge residents to review the full ordinance before lighting any fire outdoors and to always prioritize safety.
To read the ordinance please click on the link
https://www.watertownsd.us/DocumentCenter/View/314/Open-burning-and-fireworks-permit