Burning
restrictions were lifted May 16 in all or parts of 18 central Minnesota
counties due to decreased fire danger because of wet conditions and
green up moving northward, according to the Minnesota Department of
Natural Resources,
Counties include: Anoka, Benton, Chisago,
Dakota, Douglas, Isanti, Hennepin, Kanabec, Mille Lacs, Morrison, Pine,
Pope, Ramsey, Sherburne, Stearns, Todd, Washington and Wright.
Although
the state burning restrictions are lifted in these counties, local
areas, counties or municipalities may have specific regulations or
restrictions that affect burning operations. Please check with local
authorities to obtain proper permits before burning.
Because fire
danger can change quickly, DNR foresters are able to turn off burning
permits in individual counties whenever conditions warrant. This could
occur if there is a dry, windy day where fires could start easily and
burn quickly.
Check the fire restrictions page on the DNR website at www.dnr.state.mn.us/forestry/fire/firerating_restrictions.html for information on daily changes to burn permits.
The
DNR advises anyone doing burning to keep burn piles small, have a water
supply nearby, and stay with the fire until it is completely out. If
the fire escapes, the homeowner is responsible for the damage and
suppression costs.
Burning permits are available through state
and federal forestry offices, from local fire wardens, or online by
paying a $5 fee per calendar year. Online permits need to be activated
on the day of the burn. See http://webapps1.dnr.state.mn.us/burning_permits/.
Burning
restrictions remain in place in Aitkin, Becker, Beltrami, Carlton,
Cass, Clearwater, Crow Wing, Hubbard, Itasca, Kittson, Koochiching, Lake
of the Woods, Mahnomen, Marshall, Otter Tail, Pennington, Polk (part),
Roseau, southern St. Louis, and Wadena counties. Restrictions will
remain until sufficient green up occurs.
