More burning restrictions in effect
To help ensure public safety and protect natural resources, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources has expanded burning restrictions across portions of central and northern Minnesota as of August 17. Burning restrictions will now cover 34 counties where intensifying drought has elevated the potential for devastating wildfires.
Open burning and some campfires are newly restricted in Clay, Douglas, Grant, Kittson, Marshall, Mille Lacs, Norman, Pennington, Polk, Red Lake, Sherburne and Wright counties and the western portion of Roseau County, excluding tribal trust lands. These same restrictions remain in place for Aitkin, Benton, Carlton, Lake of the Woods, Morrison, Todd, and Stearns counties, the eastern portion of Roseau County, and the southern portion of St. Louis County, excluding tribal trust lands. Under these restrictions:
• No campfires are allowed for dispersed, remote or backcountry camping on all lands.
• No campfires—with or without a ring—are allowed on any DNR-managed lands. This applies to all campsites, cabins, picnic and other day-use areas. Camp stoves are permitted.
• On non-DNR-managed lands, attended campfires or recreational fires may be allowed in established fire rings associated with an occupied home, cabin, campground or resort. Check with the site manager for possible additional restrictions.
• No fireworks may be ignited on any public or private land outside city limits. Check with the local community for any additional restrictions.
• The state will not issue burning permits for brush or yard waste.
• All or part of 14 additional counties are also subject to these same restrictions on fireworks and burn permits, plus all campfires and recreational fires are banned, prescribed burning is prohibited on private lands, and the use of welding devices and other torches is prohibited when in proximity to combustible vegetation. The northern part of Wadena County is subject to these additional restrictions.
In the 14 counties, campers must take note that in the backcountry, and at campsites, only gas or propane camp stoves are allowed. Gas and charcoal grills are allowed at occupied homes, cabins and resorts. Charcoal and gas fires must be in devices designed for grilling.
The DNR webpage includes information on current burning restrictions and a map showing the current fire restrictions.