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MINNESOTA STATE DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY . State Fire Marshal Division 444 Cedar Street, Suite 145, 81. Paul, Minnesota 55101-5145 Phone: 651/215-0500 FAX: 651/215-0525 TTY: 651/282/6555 Internet: http://www.dps.state.mn.us Alcohol & Gambling Enforcement Barbecues and Open Flames on Balconies and Patios Bureau of Criminal Apprehension Every summer, barbecue grills reappear on the balconies and patios of multi-family dwellings for another season of outdoor cooking. The use and storage of solid fuel or propane cooking equipment on patios and balconies has resulted, however, in a number of fires in the state of Minnesota. Capitol Security Crime Victim Services In many towns and cities, this practice is prohibited by local ordinance or by adoption of Appendix Il-K in the 1998 Minnesota Uniform Fire Code. The fire code does not prohibit barbecue grills on balconies and patios of multi-family occupancies unless the local governing body has formally adopted Minnesota Uniform Fire Code Appendix Il-K. Driver & Vehicle Services Emergency Management I Emergency Response Commission Here is a reprint of the text of Minnesota Uniform Fire Code Appendix II-K: Appendix II-K Fires or Barbecues on Balconies or Patios . Stale Fire Marshall Pipeline Safety State Patrol 1.1 Open Flame Prohibited. In any structure containing three or more dwelling units, no person shall kindle, maintain, or cause any fire or open flame on any balcony above ground level, or on any ground floor patio within 15 feet of a structure. T raffle Safety 1.2 Fuel Storage Prohibited. No person shall store or use any fuel, harbecue, torch, or other similar heating or lighting chemical or device in the locations designated in Section 1.1, Exception: Listed electric or gas-fired barbecue grills that are permanently mounted and wired or plumbed to the building's gas supply or electrical system and that maintain a minimum clearance of 18 inches on all sides, unless listed for lesser clearances, may be installed on balconies and patios when approved by the chief. ~~t O~.'- ~ ~. An option available to local jurisdictions that have not adopted Appendix II-K is to encourage apartment building owners to incorporate language into their leases that prohibits barbecue grills from being used or stored on balconies and patios. To determine if an ordinance regulating open fires on balconies or patios has been adopted where you live, contact your local fire marshal or fire department. . SFMD Fact Sheet INS-FACT 1999-14 August 30,1999 PageJof2