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   The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources has expanded the area subject to open burning restrictions of vegetative debris, beginning Monday, April 20, at 8 a.m., as warm and dry weather spreads throughout the state. Escaped fire from burning vegetative debris is the number one cause of wildfires in Minnesota, and burning restrictions help reduce wildfire risk. 

   Additional counties in which burning restrictions apply: Becker, Beltrami North, Carlton, Clearwater, Itasca, Kittson, Koochiching, Lake of the Woods, Mahnomen, Marshall, Pennington, Polk, Red Lake, Roseau, and St. Louis.

   Restrictions remain in place in these counties: Aitkin, Anoka, Beltrami South, Benton, Cass, Chisago, Clay, Crow Wing, Douglas, Grant, Hennepin, Hubbard, Isanti, Kanabec, Mille Lacs, Morrison, Norman, Otter Tail, Pine, Pope, Ramsey, Sherburne, Stearns, Stevens, Todd, Traverse, Wadena, Washington, Wilkin, and Wright.

   The DNR will not issue permits for the open burning of brush or yard waste in these counties until restrictions are lifted. 

   “Warm and dry conditions elevate the risk of wildfires, and restricting open burning helps prevent a burn pile from escaping and becoming a wildfire during times of high risk,” said Karen Harrison, DNR wildfire prevention specialist. “These restrictions really do work – they’ve helped reduce wildfires by more than 30% over the past decade.” 

   If people need to dispose of vegetation or yard waste, Harrison said composting, chipping or taking brush to a collection site are all good options. For more information, visit the composting for woodland owners page of the DNR website (mndnr.gov/wildfire/prevention/debris-composting.html). 

   People cause more than 90% of wildfires in Minnesota. If a fire rekindles or escapes, the person who set it is liable for any damage caused, as well as for the costs of wildfire suppression. 

   Burning restrictions will be adjusted as conditions change. For more information and daily updates on current fire risk and open burning restrictions, visit the statewide fire danger and burning restrictions page of the DNR website (mndnr.gov/burnrestrictions). 

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