Beltrami County and other areas are joining much of the state in spring burning restrictions starting today.
Under spring burning restrictions, the DNR will not issue permits for the open burning of brush or yard waste in these counties, which includes much of northwestern and central Minnesota, until restrictions are lifted.
“Wildfire danger is especially high in spring because dormant or dead vegetation from the previous year has dried out and there is no snow protection,” said Karen Harrison, DNR wildfire prevention specialist.
“Once the landscape ‘greens up,’ fire danger goes down – but until then, burning restrictions reduce the potential for wildfires.”
Composting, chipping or taking brush to a collection site are alternatives to burning this time of year.
People cause 90 percent of all wildfires, and if a fire rekindles or escapes, the person who set it is liable for any damage as well as wildfire suppression costs.
Beginning Friday, May 5, additional counties in which burning restrictions apply are:
Becker, Beltrami, Cass, Clay, Clearwater, Crow Wing, Douglas, Grant, Hubbard, Kittson, Lake of the Woods, Mahnomen, Marshall, Norman, Otter Tail, Pennington, Polk, Pope, Red Lake, Roseau, Stevens, Traverse, Wadena, Wilkin
Restrictions remain in place in the following counties:
Anoka, Benton, Chisago, Isanti, Hennepin, Kanabec, Mille Lacs, Morrison, Ramsey, Sherburne, Stearns, Todd, Washington, Wright
