Minnesota DNR Urges Caution When Burning Vegetative Debris This Fall

With leaves, grass and brush piling up in yards across the Northland, burning season is pretty much here.  With that being said, the Department of Natural Resources reminds Minnesotans to be careful this fall when burning vegetative debris.That state that 98 percent of all wildfires are caused by people, and the largest contributor is burning the aforementioned debris.

Burning permits are required to burn vegetative debris when there is less than 3 inches of snow on the ground. Citizens should know the burning restrictions for their county, and check the weather forecast, before lighting a fire. Permits may be restricted when weather conditions allow wildfires to easily spread.

Current information on statewide fire danger and burning restrictions is available using the link below.  Burning permits are available online, from local fire wardens or at DNR forestry offices.

A safe alternation is mulching or composting, but if it is not possible to do those things, people should put debris fires out by drowning the remains with plenty of water, stirring and repeating until cold. All fires should be supervised until they are out cold.