The Minnesota DNR has further expanded the list of counties subject to open burning restrictions.
Spring wildfire restrictions typically last until “green-up.” The DNR will not issue open burning permits for brush or yard waste in these counties until restrictions are lifted.
“Warm and dry conditions elevate the risk of wildfires, and restricting open burning prevents a burn pile from escaping and becoming a wildfire during times of high risk,” said Allissa Reynolds, DNR wildfire prevention supervisor.
“These restrictions really do work – they’ve helped reduce wildfires by more than 30 percent over the past decade.”
People cause 90% of wildfires in Minnesota. If a debris fire rekindles or escapes, the person who set it is liable for any damage caused, as well as for wildfire suppression costs.
In addition to Beltrami, Cass, Clearwater and Hubbard, counties added to the list are:
- Becker
- Crow Wing
- Kittson
- Lake of the Woods
- Mahnomen
- Marshall
- Otter Tail
- Pennington
- Polk
- Red Lake
- Roseau
- Stevens
- Wadena
Restrictions remain in place in the following counties:
- Anoka
- Benton
- Chisago
- Douglas
- Hennepin
- Isanti
- Kanabec
- Mille Lacs
- Morrison
- Pine
- Pope
- Ramsey
- Sherburne
- Stearns
- Todd
- Washington
- Wright
