Beginning
Monday, April 4, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources will
start burning restrictions in several additional counties as conditions
for wildfires have increased. The cool weather accompanied by snow or
rain kept fire incidences low in the past two weeks. However, last
year’s vegetation is dry and can easily catch on fire even if it has
rained or snowed.
Open burning
restrictions will take effect in the following counties: Becker,
Beltrami, Cass (southern Cass restrictions are already in effect),
Clearwater, Hubbard, Itasca, Kittson, Mahnomen, Marshall, Pennington,
Polk (east of County Road 6 from the Mahnomen County line to the Red
Lake County line) and Roseau.
During spring
burning restrictions residents are not allowed to burn brush or yard
waste. Restrictions usually begin two weeks after the snow melts and
remain in place until summer green-up occurs. This is typically a four-
to six-week time period. Minnesota reports the greatest number of
wildfires in April and May, and most are caused by people. Putting
restrictions in place during this time has significantly cut down on
wildfire numbers and size.
As these
restrictions take effect throughout the state, it’s a good idea to know
the location of your municipal brush collection site. There are
alternatives to burning yard debris or dead standing grass. Consider
hauling brush to a collection site or chipping fallen branches and trees
for mulch. With an early fire season ahead, it is wise to use caution
and recognize that fire can spread quickly in windy and warm conditions.
Anyone who starts a fire may be financially responsible for suppression
costs and damage to structures.
For more information on fire condition and burning restrictions, visit the DNR website, www.dnr.state.mn.us/forestry/fire/firerating_restrictions.html.
