By Scout Nelson
In Minnesota, the battle against wildfires has led to stricter rules about open burning. The state's Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has recently increased the number of counties where you can't burn yard waste or brush. This step is crucial because such burning is the main reason wildfires start here.
The new rules now include Kittson, Lake of the Woods, Marshall, Pennington, and Roseau counties. They join a long list of other counties already under these restrictions. Until the DNR says it's okay, people in these places can't get permits to burn brush or yard debris.
Karen Harrison, a DNR wildfire prevention specialist, explains that wildfire danger is super high in spring. Last year's plants are all dried out, and without snow cover, they can easily catch fire.
Even though recent snow and rain gave a bit of a break, that dry plant material can quickly become a fire hazard again. The good news is, once everything starts growing and turning green, the risk of wildfires goes down.
Since people cause most of Minnesota's wildfires, the DNR is asking everyone to be extra careful, especially when it's windy and dry. If a fire you've started gets out of control, you might have to pay for the damage and the cost to put it out.
For those needing to get rid of yard waste, composting, chipping, or taking it to a collection site are suggested as safer alternatives. As the situation changes, so will the burning restrictions, so it's important to stay informed.
Photo Credit: ontario-ministry-of-natural-resources
Categories: Minnesota, Government & Policy, Weather