Burning brush or yard waste restricted

As warm and dry weather continues to spread throughout the state, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources has added more northern Minnesota counties to the burn restriction list, which now includes Carlton, south St. Louis, Pine, Wright and Aitkin counties in the Pine Knot News coverage area.

The state will not issue burning permits for brush or yard waste in these counties until the restrictions are lifted.

“Warm and dry conditions are key factors for wildfires, so we have to remain vigilant about restricting open burning,” said Casey McCoy, DNR fire prevention supervisor. “These restrictions really do work. They’ve helped us reduce wildfires by more than 30 percent over the past decade.”

McCoy encourages landowners to compost, chip, or take brush to a collection site rather than burn it. For information on to how compost yard waste, visit the DNR’s website for woodland composting.

People who burn debris will be held financially responsible if their fire escapes and burns other property.

For information and daily updates on current fire risk and open burning restrictions, visit http://www.dnr.state.mn.us.