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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And: A rural Orr man was arrested for allegedly shooting a firefighting plane; the Legislature passed a bonding bill; and filings open for public office Tuesday. -
Lorie Shaull/KAXEIn their final hours before the session ended, lawmakers passed a county hospital bailout, an infrastructure bill and small cuts to car tab fees and property taxes. -
Contributed/Ellen Schmidt / MinnPost / CatchLight Local / Report for AmericaHere’s what made it into the Legislature's infrastructure package and what lawmakers and others had to say about it May 17, 2026. -
Contributed/St. Louis County Sheriff's OfficeFirefighters responded to a wildland fire between Orr and Crane Lake on Friday, May 15, 2026. After returning to the airport, it was learned a bullet appeared to have struck one of the planes. -
Lorie Shaull/KAXEEvacuated homeowners will be able to return to their properties for the day, Monday, May 18, 2026. Crow Wing County declared a local emergency, the first step toward state disaster aid. -
This is the Up North Lookback, where we’re digging into the local news archives from 50 years ago — the year KAXE was born. It’s the week of May 18.
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As next steps for a proposed data center are considered, Liz Schwab from Google addresses some of the concerns raised at a recent Hermantown City Council meeting.
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Contributed/Doug MitchellWildland firefighters are working on containment and mopping up hot spots for a wildfire that began Saturday afternoon, May 16, 2026, southeast of Crosslake. -
Plus: Minnesota partners want you to help track wildlife collisions; and DNR upgrades four fishing piers in Northern Minnesota.
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Contributed/Screenshot of St. Louis County Sheriff Gordon Ramsay Facebook pageSt. Louis County Sheriff Gordon Ramsay said the fire was one of at least a half-dozen blazes in the county as high winds, low humidity and drought conditions persisted.
