Department of Natural Resources Bans Open Burning in Benton, Sherburne and Stearns Counties Starting Monday

(KNSI) — The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources is banning open burning due to an elevated wildfire risk.

Warm temperatures and dry conditions prompted the DNR to restrict open burning of brush and yard waste across a wide swath of central Minnesota including Benton, Sherburne and Stearns counties. The agency will not issue permits for open burning in the three counties until restrictions are lifted.

DNR Wildfire Prevention Specialist Karen Harrison says spring is a particularly dangerous time for wildfires. “Wildfire risk increases each year after the snow melts and before vegetation greens up,” Harrison said. “Spring burning restrictions help reduce the number of wildfires, especially those caused by debris burning.”

Burning restrictions will be adjusted as conditions change.

Harrison is encouraging residents to compost, chip or take brush to a collection site instead of burning.

The DNR says people are responsible for more than 90% of wildfires in Minnesota. Anyone whose fire rekindles or escapes is liable for damages and the cost of wildfire suppression. A Morrison County woman was recently fined more than $130,000 after a fire on her property burned out of control in August.

See the burning restrictions map by clicking here.

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