DNR removes burning and campfire restrictions except for 18 Minnesota counties

The Minnesota Department of natural Resources (DNR) is removing the burning and campfire restrictions in counties in northwestern and southeastern Minnesota. Eighteen counties in east-central Minnesota, including the Twin Cities, remain under burning/campfire restrictions.

Counties that have burning/campfire restrictions include: Anoka, Benton, Carver, Chisago, Dakota, Hennepin, Isanti, Kanabec, Mille Lacs, Morrison, Pine, Ramsey, Scott, Sherburn, Stearns, Todd, Washington and Wright.

Campfires for recreational fires outside municipalities are allowed only in a designated receptacle designed for such use and associated with a residence, staffed campgrounds such as state parks, or resorts.

Counties in the northwest and southeast parts of the state will once again be under local control. Residents should be aware that conditions can change daily and some counties may still limit burning as conditions warrant.

The DNR advises residents and homeowners to use caution if they conduct open burning. Although much of Minnesota received precipitation sufficient to lower the chances of fires starting and spreading, soil moisture is still well below normal. Should a fire start, there is a chance peat soils could ignite. Any piled material should be located well away from peat soils.

Everyone is urged to use extreme caution where campfires are allowed, keeping no larger than three feet high by three feet wide. Charcoal fires are allowed at this time, but they should not be left unattended. Make sure fires are completely out before leaving. People are responsible for costs to extinguish a fire if it gets away.

For more information, maps and fire conditions, visit www.dnr.state.

mn.us/forestry/fire/firerating_restrictions.html.

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