After a summer of varying severities of drought, burning restrictions are lifted for 14 counties today.
According to the Minnesota DNR, this includes Beltrami, Cass, Clearwater and Hubbard counties.
Wildfire risk remains in the northeastern tip of Minnesota, with Class III burning restrictions still in effect for Cook and Lake counties.
According to DNR acting Wildfire Prevention Supervisor, Allissa Reynolds, “These changes reflect reduced wildfire risks for much of the north, while also recognizing that wildfire danger remains high in Cook and Lake counties.”
She also cautions, “Until we have a few inches of snow on the ground, we all need to continue our efforts to reduce wildfires; fires can start easily in dry grass and leaves.”
Forrest Boe, Director of DNR’s Forestry Division, appreciates the continued support of all Minnesotans in following wildfire-related restrictions, saying, “Everyone’s efforts to prevent wildfires are helping. Thank you and let’s keep it up through the fall.”
The U.S. Drought Monitor still shows large portions of Beltrami and Clearwater counties in exceptional drought, with most of northern Minnesota still in extreme drought.
