Spring burning restrictions began in Cook, Koochiching, Lake, Lake of the Woods and northern St. Louis counties Monday, April 14.
Restrictions began for most of the rest of Northern Minnesota the week before.
The Department of Natural Resources said it will not issue permits for open burning of brush or yard waste until the restrictions are lifted.
Fire risk is expected to rise as warm and dry weather increases. Escaped fire from vegetative debris is Minnesota’s No. 1 cause of wildfires, according to the DNR.
The agency suggested composting, chipping or taking brush to a collection site if you need to dispose of yard waste.
Small campfires and fires in approved burners are permitted from 6 p.m. to 8 a.m., so long as there is 5 feet of clear space around the base of the fire or burner.
Burning restrictions will be updated as conditions change. For the latest information, check the DNR's website.
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During the Phenology Report for the week of July 8, 2025, Staff Phenologist John Latimer welcomes high summer and threatens the lives of encroaching deer flies. -
Heavy ground-level smoke from wildfires in central Canada moved into Minnesota behind a line of thunderstorms on Friday, July 11, 2025, prompting an air quality alert. -
Radar indicated thunderstorms producing heavy rain across the warned area. Between 1 and 2 inches of rain have fallen. Additional rainfall amounts of 1 to 2 inches are possible in the warned area.
