Consider weather conditions before burning yard debris

As the snow melts, Cook County residents are becoming aware of the need to clean up fallen trees and brush. But before starting a bonfire to dispose of yard debris, be sure to consider weather conditions—and get a burn permit from the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources or US Forest Service. With the limited amount of snow Cook County received in the winter of 2009 – 2010, everyone should be extra cautious with fire.

“It is an abnormal spring so far. Fields are getting kind of open,” said USFS Fire Specialist Kurt Schierenbeck. However, Schierenbeck said conditions do not warrant a ban on fires yet.

“We’ll track weather conditions and work with the DNR,” he said. Schierenbeck said the DNR makes the determination when a ban on burning should be issued.

Anyone wishing to burn yard debris must obtain a permit. Burning permits are for vegetative materials only — absolutely no garbage. The DNR suggests composting and recycling whenever possible.

Permits are available from the DNR office in Grand Marais, at the Gunflint or Tofte Ranger stations, or from a DNR Fire Warden. Fire wardens are volunteers who issue permits for the township they live in. They usually have a sign in their yard identifying them as fire wardens.

When applying for a burn permit, you will be expected to know the legal description of your property or burning area (township, range and section), the 911 address and phone number.

The Forest Service and DNR representatives can inform property owners if conditions allow burning or not.

Schierenbeck said, “Until things green up, people just need to be extremely careful.”

Cook County’s fire wardens
and the areas they serve are: