REGIONAL—Warmer temperatures and dry conditions in northwestern and north-central Minnesota mean increased wildfire risk, so the Minnesota DNR is restricting open burning in several counties in the northwest as well as Koochiching and Itasca in the north-central.
The state will not issue burning permits for brush or yard waste in these counties until restrictions are lifted.
DNR officials note that burning restrictions have proven effective at reducing spring wildfires and they encourage residents to use alternatives to burning, such as composting, chipping, or taking brush to a collection site.
People who burn debris will be held financially responsible if their fire escapes and burns other property.
The restrictions come in the wake of an earlier-than-usual snow melt that has left even much of the Arrowhead with little or no snow cover. While open burning is still allowed in St. Louis, Lake, and Cook counties, burning permits are now required given the limited remaining snow cover.
Further burning restrictions for additional counties will be added as conditions change.