DNR restricts debri burns

[Lee Borgersen]

  DNR to restrict debris burning in 11 northern counties

April 23, 2014

 
BEMIDJI - Dry and windy conditions have increased the fire danger for much of north-central and northwest Minnesota.

Starting Monday, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources will restrict debris burning in 11 northern counties. As snow continues to melt, what is left behind is a lot of dead grass and brush that can light easily and spread quickly, fire officials said.

Debris burning restrictions mean the state will not give out permits to burn brush or yard waste, according to a DNR release. Counties starting burning restrictions Monday are Beltrami, Carlton, northern Cass, Itasca, Kittson, Koochiching, Lake of the Woods, Marshall, Pennington, Roseau and southern St. Louis.

Hubbard, Clearwater, Mahnomen and southern Cass counties implemented burning restrictions April 21.

The restrictions are not total burning bans. Recreational fires and campfires are still permitted, but residents need to take caution, officials said.

Weather and fire conditions can change quickly. The DNR's fire conditions information and map can be found online at www.dnr.state.mn.us/forestry/fire/firerating_restrictions.html.


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