Fire Department

Monticello Fire Department BuildingStaff

The Monticello Fire Department (MFD) currently has 30 volunteer members under the direction of the Fire Chief. The department's primary coverage area serves the City of Monticello, Monticello Township, and Silver Creek Township.

Apparatus, Equipment & Services

MFD operates eight apparatus from one station, including a hazardous materials response trailer. Our services include:

  • Fire suppression and prevention/education
  • Rescue services
  • Hazardous materials containment
  • Code enforcement
  • Fire inspections
  • Permit review
  • Mutual aid service to other cities as a member of the North Suburban Mutual Aid Association

Burning Permits

Question about permits? Submit your question via our contact form.

  • Burning permits are not issued for locations within the city limits.
    • Please note: the Monticello Fire Chief will issue open burning permits for prescriptive burns to professional fire contractors and/or prairie restoration companies; specifically for prairie restoration and improvement purposes. 
  • Burning other than a recreational fire is not allowed within the city limits.
  • Additional information about recreational fires is available in our Open Burning Ordinance. To view our region's current burning restrictions, burning permit information from the DNR, and more fire resources, please go to the Minnesota DNR's website.

Recreational Fires

Monticello's Code of Ordinances specifies that fires set for recreational, ceremonial, food preparation, or social purposes are allowed in the city limits as long as these conditions are followed:

  • Only dry raw wood, or wood products such as sticks. No painted or treated wood or other lightweight vegetation such as leaves shall be burned in a recreational fire.
  • The fire must be contained within a three feet diameter fire pit area.
  • The fire must not be left unattended.
  • Fire pits must be located in the rear yard only, at least 25 feet from any structure or property line.
  • Portable fire pits with covers are allowed for use in front yards on driveways only and may not be within 25 feet of any structure in the front yard. Portable fire pits with covers shall not be stored on the driveway or front yard when not in use.
  • All fires must be completely extinguished with water before leaving them unattended. The wind should also be considered before lighting any fire.

City Code & Ordinances

View the 'Fires' section of the code.