Common sense tells northlanders to be extremely careful with fire because our forests are getting dry. However, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) wants to make it very clear that fire danger, with the exception of far southeastern counties, is high. Open burning restrictions— burning of brush and yard debris— will go into effect at 8:00 a.m. on April 5 for most of northern Minnesota including Cook, Lake and northern St. Louis counties.
Until that time, everyone is asked to use extreme caution with fire and encouraged to use alternatives to burning, such as chipping or composting.
“Until the growth of new grass appears, humidities begin to climb to summertime levels, and adequate precipitation is received, restrictions will remain in place,” said Ron Stoffel, DNR wildfire suppression supervisor. “This could take six or more weeks. Many small fires have already popped up due to the standing dead vegetation that is everywhere this time of year.”
Restrictions will remain in effect until the threat of wildfires decreases.
Campfires are still allowed and never require burning permit, as long as they are kept to three feet in diameter, three feet tall, and is attended at all times.
Forest users are reminded that the devastating Ham Lake Fire, which raged throughout the month of May in 2007, started at an unextinguished campfire.
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