ST. PAUL — The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources has set restrictions on open burning due to increased wildfire risk from dry conditions across much of Minnesota.
The move comes three days after a fast-moving grass fire in Wilkin County that left one person dead .
Allissa Reynolds, DNR wildfire prevention supervisor, said Wednesday, Nov. 2, that the restrictions were not linked to the Sunday death in Wilkin County, which she said she was not aware of, but instead were predicated on widespread dry and windy conditions across Minnesota.
Minnesota counties affected by the burning restrictions include: Becker, Beltrami, Clay, Grant, Hubbard, Mahnomen, Norman, Otter Tail, Polk, Pope, Traverse, Wadena and Wilkin.
The DNR will not issue permits for open burning of brush or yard waste in these counties until the burning restrictions are lifted. Residents should also take care with backyard campfires.
ADVERTISEMENT
“Extreme drought conditions in combination with dry fall vegetation, low humidity, and wind make for dangerous fire conditions,” Reynolds said. “Restricting open burning prevents a burn pile from escaping and becoming a wildfire.”
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 at: mndnr.gov/BurnRestrictions .
The Trust Project
