DNR Burning Restrictions in Place for Area Counties

(KNSI) – Burning restrictions are now in place for much of the St. Cloud metro area amid heightened wildfire risks this week.

With almost the entire state suffering from moderate, severe or extreme drought and with hot and dry weather conditions expected this week, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources has issued an order restricting burning in several northern and central Minnesota counties, including Stearns, Benton, Todd and Morrison.

No burning permits will be issued, campfires are only allowed in designated fire receptacles at campgrounds, resorts and homes, and fireworks are not allowed outside of city limits.

In a tweet, Benton County Sheriff Troy Heck says his office asks the public to abide by these restrictions and to be extremely careful when doing any burning that is still currently allowed.

The elevated fire risk in central and northern Minnesota coincides with an excessive heat watch that will affect the St. Cloud area Tuesday and Wednesday.

We ask the public to abide by these fire restrictions and to be extremely careful with any burning that is still allowed. Wild fires are dangerous for both the public and the fire departments that have to extinguish them.

— Benton Co. Sheriff (@BentonMNSheriff) July 26, 2021