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Due to the greening of vegetation and recent rainfalls, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) will lift burning restrictions for some north-central Minnesota counties next week.

Effective at 8 a.m. on May 18, residents in Aitkin, Becker, Cass, Carlton, Crow Wing, Hubbard, Otter Tail and Wadena counties may burn with a valid permit. While DNR restrictions will be removed in these eight counties within the next week, municipalities and cities may decide to lift restrictions at a later date. Landowners within municipalities should talk with city officials to find out when burning permits will be available.

Depending on the progression of vegetation greening up, it is anticipated more counties will be lifting restrictions prior to Memorial Day weekend. However, on any given day, burning may be limited due to weather conditions that make it unsafe.

Three-day burning permits are available from volunteer township fire wardens and local forestry offices. In counties where online permits can be accessed, an annual permit can be purchased for $5. All permits must be activated daily by calling a toll-free number. More information about the statewide burning permit system is available online at www.dnr.state.mn.us/forestry/fire/questions.html.

The northernmost counties of the state will remain under burning restrictions until enough new vegetation appears in fields and on trees to reduce fire danger. However, campfires are allowed if kept to no more than 3 feet by 3 feet in size. Any other burning (with some exceptions for commercial or agricultural needs) will not be allowed until further notification.[[In-content Ad]]

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