Aaron Mielke with the Grand Marais DNR office was glad to announce earlier this month that Cook County is now able to obtain burning permits online. Mielke said Cook County was the last county to be added to the online permitting system because of computer programming issues—our county is the only one with east and west ranges to be factored in the permit issuing.
However, now that Cook County is online, property owners can participate in the online program. DNR Division of Forestry Burning Permit Coordinator John Kelly explained that the online burning permit, which costs $5, allows a person to burn piled vegetative material or conduct a running fire of less than one acre during evening hours. The permit is valid for unlimited activations during the calendar year in which it is purchased, but must be activated each day burning occurs by calling a tollfree number.
The toll-free number provides a county-specific update on fire conditions, letting the property owner know if it is okay to burn—or not.
Requiring daily activation of burning permits helps the DNR, Forest Service, and local law enforcement keep track of where authorized burning is occurring to distinguish from possible wildfires. Mielke said when a caller calls to report that he or she will be burning, the location of the authorized burn will appear on a map accessible to the DNR and other agencies.
Mielke said property owners would need to have their township, range, and section numbers handy when they go online. “Street addresses will no longer work,” he said.
Residents will still be able to obtain permits from area fire wardens if they wish. All-day variances or special permits must still be obtained from the DNR Forestry office at 1356 East Hwy. 61 in Grand Marais. Mielke said it would be a good idea to call ahead to make sure staff is available to issue a permit. DNR Forestry can be reached at (218) 387-3037.
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