According to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, burning restrictions are on due to the COVID-19 outbreak. Their intent is to lower the amount of fires to minimize the risk of first responders being paged out and being potentially exposed to the virus. It is also their intent to try to limit the amount of smoke in the air so a person who is at home can rest without the added irritant of smoke and stay out of an already stressed healthcare system.
Campfires are allowed if they meet the statute definition:
No larger than 3×3 ft.
Cleared 5 ft. around of combustible materials
Burning only clean firewood (no garbage, paper/cardboard, building debris, or leaves)
Smoke cannot drift into a neighbor’s buildings without their permission or across a public road
No additional burning permits are being issued at this time.
If you have questions relating to burning restrictions, please contact the MN DNR via phone
651-296-6157, via email info.dnr@state.mn.us or visit their website.