The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources is restricting the open burning of vegetative debris effective tomorrow, Monday, March 30, due to increased wildfire risk resulting from warm temperatures and dry conditions in parts of central, northwest, and northeast Minnesota. The restrictions apply in the following counties:
Aitkin, Anoka, Beltrami South, Benton, Cass, Chisago, Clay, Crow Wing, Douglas, Grant, Hennepin, Hubbard, Isanti, Itasca, Kanabec, Mille Lacs, Morrison, Norman, Otter Tail, Pine, Pope, Ramsey, Sherburne, Stearns, Stevens, Todd, Traverse, Wadena, Washington, Wilkin, and Wright.
The DNR will not issue permits for open burning of brush or yard waste in these counties until restrictions are lifted.
“Wildfire risk increases each year after the snow melts and before vegetation greens up,” said Karen Harrison, DNR wildfire prevention specialist. “Spring burning restrictions help reduce the number of wildfires, especially those caused by debris burning.”
Harrison encourages people to use other methods to handle yard waste, such as composting, chipping or taking brush to a collection site. For more information, visit the composting for woodland owners page of the DNR website (mndnr.gov/wildfire/prevention/debris-composting.html).
People cause more than 90% of wildfires in Minnesota. If a fire rekindles or escapes, the person who set it is liable for any damage caused, as well as for the costs of wildfire suppression.
Burning restrictions will be adjusted as conditions change. For more information and daily updates on current fire risk and open burning restrictions, visit the statewide wildfire danger and burning restrictions page of the DNR website (mndnr.gov/burnrestrictions).
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