The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources reminds
woodland owners to take care of vegetative debris such as dry branches now, as
annual open burning restrictions will take effect shortly after snowmelt.
“This winter burning permits have been required in areas
of the state that have not been fully covered with snow,” said DNR wildfire
prevention supervisor Linda Gormanson. “Warmer temperatures in February could
quickly melt the snow that remains.”
A burning permit is required if there is less than 3
inches of snow on the ground. The chance for a fire to escape and burn into
unintended areas and endanger lives, homes and property is greatly reduced when
adequate snow cover is present. Check local city and municipalities for burning
regulations prior to burning.
The DNR recommends composting leaves and twigs instead of
burning to reduce air pollution and the chance of starting a wildfire. Visit
the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency’s website for information on how to
start composting yard waste: www.pca.state.mn.us/living-green/start-composting-your-backyard.
After the snow melts, spring fire restrictions take
effect and open burning will be restricted until vegetation turns green. The
highest number of wildfires are in April and May when vegetation is dry and
people commonly do spring clean-up activities. Due to the high number of
wildfires during this time, the DNR initiates open burning permit restrictions
to coincide with spring fire season. The DNR has seen a significant decrease in
accidental fires when burning restrictions are in place.
Depending on weather and spring green-up conditions,
restrictions remain in effect for four to six weeks. Visit www.mndnr.gov/forestry/fire/firerating_restrictions.html
for information on open burning restrictions.
Overall, 98 percent of wildfires in Minnesota are caused
by humans. Individuals are responsible for costs to control an escaped fire and
the damage it causes.
