Community Corner
Burning Restrictions for Rosemount, Much of Minnesota
Early warmth and dry, windy weather has led the Minnesota DNR to issue burning restrictions sooner than usual this year.
The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) will place burning restrictions over much of the state starting March 26, with more areas included later, due to the melting of snow and winds drying the dead standing grass and brush in open areas.
Spring fire restrictions limit open burning until summer green-up occurs. Traditionally, most wildfires in Minnesota occur during April and May. More than 95 percent of these fires are caused by human error.
“Because of the high fire incidence during this time period, the DNR proactively initiates burning restrictions,” said DNR Fire Prevention Coordinator Larry Himanga.
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The restrictions normally last from four to six weeks until sufficient green vegetative growth occurs. Spring fire restrictions have resulted in a dramatic decrease in both the numbers and sizes of accidental fires, Himanga said.
The burning restrictions mean the state will not give out burning permits for burning brush or yard waste.
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The following counties will be included in the initial burning restrictions this spring: Aitkin, Anoka, Becker, southern Beltrami (that portion south of Hwy. 1), Benton, Carlton, Cass, Chisago, Clearwater, Crow Wing, Dakota, Douglas, Hennepin, Hubbard, Isanti, Itasca, Kanabec, Kittson, Manhomen, Marshall, Mille Lacs, Morrison, Otter Tail, Pennington, Pine, Polk (that portion south and east of County Road 6 from the Manhomen County line to MN Hwy 92 east to the Clearwater County line) Pope, Ramsey, Roseau (that portion west of Hwy. 89), Sherburne, Stearns, Todd, Wadena, Washington, and Wright. More counties will be added as spring weather conditions warrant.
Campfires are still allowed. Campers should watch their fire continuously and make sure it is out and cold to the touch before leaving the area.
Fire conditions may change quickly over the next few weeks. More information including maps and fire conditions is available online.
Editor's note: The preceding information was a press release from the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources.
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