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.
-
Plus: Lindell files recount lawsuit against secretary of state's office; United Taconite received emission testing fine; Detroit Lakes sticker policy in limbo following split vote -
Megan Buffington/KAXEJack Drumbeater was charged with four felonies following his involvement in a fatal head-on crash Aug. 22, 2026, in Grand Rapids. -
Contributed/Cleveland CliffsThe state's Pollution Control Agency says United Taconite did not perform the regular emissions tests required by its air permit. -
SVP Studios/UnsplashScott Alan Larson, 57, was discovered while firefighters responded to a fire in Normanna Township, west of Two Harbors, on Aug. 24, 2026. -
Plus: High fish kills were reported this summer after prolonged heat and drought; and an iron reclamation project is underway at an abandoned Calumet mine.
-
Emma Krab/KAXEResidents around Calumet received a peek behind the curtain Aug. 21, 2026, at the iron reclamation project set to transform the former Hill Annex Mine. -
Contributed/Daniel DewaldCisco and other cold water fish died by the thousands in the large, shallow lake as water temperatures soared to an average of 77 degrees in late July and early August 2026. -
Canva illustrationOne of the occupants of the pickup truck was in custody in Itasca County Jail on Aug. 24, 2026, on suspicion of criminal vehicular operation. -
Lorie Shaull/KAXEThe campfire ban across the Superior National Forest was lifted Aug. 24, 2026, as cooler temperatures reduce wildfire risk. Parts of the Boundary Waters remain closed due to wildfires. -
Contributed/State Sen. Rob KupecSix Minnesota counties will receive state assistance to repair public infrastructure damaged by severe summer storms.
