As of Monday, March 30, the state’s Department of Natural Resources issued burning restrictions for parts of central, northwest and northeast Minnesota.
South Beltrami County, including Bemidji, as well as all of Aitkin, Cass, Crow Wing, Hubbard, Itasca, Mille Lacs, Todd and Wadena counties, are impacted by the restrictions prompted by warm temperatures and dry conditions.
The DNR will not issue open burning permits for brush pile burns until the restrictions are lifted.
“People cause more than 90% of wildfires in Minnesota. Restricting this type of burning in spring has reduce wildfires by 30%,” stated a DNR news release. “If a fire rekindles or escapes, the person who set it is liable for any damage caused, as well as for the costs of wildfire suppression.“
While burning restrictions are in effect, residents are encouraged to use other methods to handle yard waste, such as composting, chipping or taking the brush to a collection site.
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