by Dennis Dalman
Burning is restricted in a portion of Minnesota that includes Stearns, Benton and Sherburne counties, as announced by the Department of Natural Resources.
Under the restriction, burning is allowed only with a variance permit.
The burning restriction means nobody should be burning brush or yard waste until the restriction is lifted.
The following are the DNR burning designations in Minnesota: No permit required, permits required, restricted (variance permits only), restricted (agency-approved permits only), No open burning (campfires allowed), No open burning (no campfires allowed).
Only the first three designations were assigned to Minnesota as of April 19, but they are subject to change, depending, of course, on weather conditions.
The DNR announced burning restrictions April 11 due to an increased risk of wildfires in dry conditions and strong winds.
“Wildfire risk increases each year after the snow melts and before grass greens up,” said Allissa Reynolds, the DNR wildfire-prevention supervisor. “Spring burning restrictions help to reduce the number of wildfires caused by debris burning.”
Reynolds said it’s best for residents to use alternative methods of getting rid of debris, such as composting, wood chipping, taking brush to a collection site – or leaving debris where it is until if and when burning restrictions are lifted.
According to the DNR, 90 percent of wildfires are caused by people burning in dry conditions.
For more about burning restrictions and how to check them daily, visit the DNR website at dnr.state.mn.us.
