Spring Burning Restrictions Released

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources has expanded spring burning restrictions across dozens of counties, including several right here in the Lakes Area. The goal: prevent wildfires as dry, warm weather ramps up across the region.
Effective Tuesday, April 8 at 6 a.m., the DNR will no longer issue open burning permits for brush, yard waste, or vegetative debris in these area counties:
• Becker
• Otter Tail
• Mahnomen
• Wadena
• Clay
• Hubbard
Additional counties in northeast Minnesota will be added Monday, April 14, and restrictions remain in place for several central and metro counties as well.
“People might not realize how easily a fire can accidentally get out of control when it’s dry outside,” said Karen Harrison, wildfire prevention specialist with the DNR. “By restricting burning during periods of high wildfire risk, we’ve significantly reduced the number of wildfires Minnesota has experienced over the past decade.”
What You Need to Know:
• No open burning permits will be issued until conditions improve.
• Human-caused fires are the leading cause of wildfires in Minnesota—over 90%.
• If a fire escapes, you’re responsible for the damage and suppression costs.
Instead of burning, the DNR recommends:
• Composting yard debris
• Chipping wood for mulch
• Hauling brush to a collection site