MINNEAPOLIS — Reducing the risk of wildfires is top of mind for many states this year as we round the corner into spring — Minnesota included.
The state's Department of Natural Resources announced Friday that spring burning restrictions for several counties will go into effect Monday, March 18, limiting open burning to dispose of yard waste. While the wildfire risk is generally high every spring following snow melt, the DNR said Minnesota's unusually warm winter temperatures and "exceptionally" dry conditions this year are cause for extra concern.
The DNR said restrictions will lift on a rolling basis as conditions change, but until then, counties affected include: Aitkin, Anoka, Becker, Beltrami, Benton, Carlton, Cass, Chisago, Clay, Clearwater, Crow Wing, Douglas, Grant, Hennepin, Hubbard, Isanti, Itasca, Kanabec, Mahnomen, Mille Lacs, Morrison, Norman, Otter Tail, Pine, Polk, Pope, Ramsey, Red Lake, Sherburne, St. Louis County (southern half), Stearns, Stevens, Todd, Traverse, Wadena, Washington, Wilkin, and Wright.
According to the agency, more than 90% of wildfires in Minnesota are caused by people and often made worse by excessively dry, windy conditions.
“This year, we’ve seen an early start to our wildfire season due to exceptionally warm winter temperatures and less than half the average snowfall across much of the state,” said Karen Harrison, DNR wildfire prevention specialist. “Spring burning restrictions help reduce the number of wildfires, especially those caused by debris burning."
If you'd like more information about alternative ways to dispose of yard waste, visit the DNR's website.
For more information about statewide fire danger and burning restrictions throughout the year, click here.
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