Dodge County, Minnesota
Partial restrictions apply in Dodge: burning is permitted only with a permit or within specific exceptions.
What this means
- Small cooking fires (grill, camp stove)
Penalties in Minnesota
Starting a fire without a required permit, or violating permit conditions, is a misdemeanor under Minnesota Statutes §§ 88.16 and 88.17. Minnesota's general misdemeanor sentencing (§ 609.02, subd. 3) caps that at a fine of up to $1,000, up to 90 days in jail, or both. Anyone whose fire escapes and causes damage is also liable for suppression costs and property damage.
Classification: Misdemeanor · Maximum fine: up to $1,000, up to 90 days in jail
Recent status history
- Jul 20, 2026 — Partial Restrictions
Sources & audit log
| Checked | Source | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Aug 21, 2026 | Minnesota Department of Natural Resources ↗ | status: Partial Restrictions |
Neighbouring counties
Notify me when this changes
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Still legal during a ban
None of these are a way around Dodge county's restriction — they're what stays legal regardless of it: contained burning, screened fire pits, and basic fire safety gear. Always confirm locally before burning anything.
Contained burn barrels
A lidded, spark-arrestor barrel keeps debris burning contained rather than as open burning — check your county's rules, since some bans cover any outdoor fire regardless of containment.
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Most burn bans target open debris burning, not a screened recreational fire pit — but always confirm locally, since some restrictions cover any outdoor flame.
Fire extinguishers
Always worth having on hand near any permitted fire, ban or no ban.
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Limits of this information
burnbanradar reads public burn-ban orders as published by Minnesota Department of Natural Resources and reports them unchanged. Cities and municipalities within Dodge county may impose stricter rules than the county order. Water districts and state forestry rules may add further restrictions. When an order is ambiguous or the source cannot be reached, we show Unconfirmed instead of guessing a status. The county's own posted order governs.
Common questions
Is Dodge county under a burn ban right now?
Partial restrictions apply. Minnesota's statewide rule limits when and where you can burn today. See the "What this means" module above for the specifics.
What can I still burn in Dodge county?
Standard open burning is currently permitted, subject to any municipal ordinance in your area. Never leave a fire unattended, and keep water and a shovel nearby.
How do I report an illegal fire in Dodge county?
Call 911 for any fire that is out of control or threatens property. For a non-emergency burn-ban violation, you can also reach Minnesota Arson Hotline at 1-800-723-2020 (for reporting suspected arson or a suspicious fire; call 911 for an active wildfire emergency), or contact the Dodge Sheriff's Office.