Burning restrictions expanded in northern Minnesota

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources is expanding the burning restrictions beginning at 12:01 a.m. Tuesday, July 13. Restrictions will now be in place for all of Beltrami, Cook, Koochiching, Lake, Lake of the Woods, St. Louis, and eastern portion of Roseau County, within state jurisdiction.

Burning restrictions remain in effect for Cass, Crow Wing, Hubbard, Itasca, Morrison, Todd, and Wadena counties.

“The nearly 1,500 wildfires that have occurred in Minnesota since March are more than we typically see in an entire year,” Linda Gormanson, burning permit coordinator said in a press release. “We want people to keep recreating and enjoying the outdoors, but in ways that reduce the risk of igniting a wildfire.”

Gormanson says the ongoing drought has created perilous midsummer conditions for wildfires.

The restrictions set for the affected areas include:

• No campfires are allowed for dispersed, remote, or backcountry camping on all lands
• Campfires are allowed only in an established fire ring associated with a home, cabin, campground, or resort
• No fireworks may be ignited on any public or private land outside city limits (check with your municipality for any restrictions within city limits)
• Burning permits will not be issued for brush or yard waste, nor will existing permits be activated.

Minnesota DNR says the burning restrictions will remain in effect until weather and environmental conditions indicate a significant reduction in fire danger, a determination made by the DNR commissioner.

Tribal nations regulate open burning for their communities. Officials say wildfires have burned 34,106 acres in Minnesota so far.

According to the release from the Minnesota DNR, the burning restrictions mean campfires are not allowed for dispersed campers at 40 state forests, and backcountry campfires are not allowed at 26 state parks and recreation areas – even if the backcountry campsite has a fire ring. Camping stoves are permitted.

Listing of state forests and state parks under burning restrictions.

Check the DNR statewide fire danger and burning restrictions map and follow the fire prevention tips above. People who spot a wildfire should call 911.