Cook County is currently under burn restrictions. However, even when restrictions are lifted, property owners need to carefully consider conditions before burning brush. Also, remember that a burning permit is always required. The only exceptions are for campfires, as long as there are no other restrictions, and if there is a continuous cover of snow three inches deep in area of fire. Since there’s no or very little snow this time of year, please keep the following in mind: Burning permits are for vegetative materials only — absolutely no garbage. The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) suggests composting and recycling whenever possible.
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.
To obtain a burn permit, contact or visit your fire warden, ranger station or DNR office. 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.
Cook County’s fire wardens and the areas they serve are: Larry Abelman, Hovland; Jeanne and Irv Angell, Greenwood Lake; Shari and Robert Baker, Gunflint Lake; Dan and Theresa Baumann, Clearwater Lake; George Carlson, Gunflint Trail; Tom Dwyer, Lutsen; Gunflint Trail; Gary Jorgenson, Croftville; Ed Hedstrom, Gunflint Trail; Duane Plenge, Pike Lake; Dave Seaton, Hungry Jack Lake; Russell Smith, Maple Hill; Laurie Spry, Mort Meadows; Luana Brandt, Poplar Lake; Bonita Gould, Lutsen; Kathy Lande, Seagull Lake. In addition, information may be obtained at the Tofte Ranger Station in Tofte, the Gunflint Ranger Station or DNR Forestry in Grand Marais, or the Cook County Law Enforcement Center at (218) 387-3030.
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