New Burning Restrictions Go Into Effect Tuesday, August 17th

(KNSI) – The National Weather Service says current drought conditions drying out the vegetation coupled with high winds Tuesday is an explosive recipe for wildfires.

South winds of 10 to 15 miles an hour across central Minnesota with gusts over 20 miles an hour are expected to continue through the day on Tuesday. According to fire officials, grasses and other vegetation are very dry, and that will exacerbate conditions for the rapid spread of fires.

Outdoor burning is not recommended today.

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources says no fires are allowed on DNR-managed lands in 35 counties. The agency is also instituting new burning restrictions. Starting August 17th, the DNR says there is no open burning, and some campfires are restricted in Sherburne and Wright Counties. Open burning and some campfires are already restricted in Benton, Morrison, and Stearns Counties.

The DNR website says restrictions include:

No campfires are allowed for dispersed, remote, or backcountry camping on all lands.
No campfires – with or without a ring – are allowed on any DNR-managed lands. This applies to all campsites, cabins, picnic, and other day-use areas. Camp stoves are permitted.
On non-DNR-managed lands, attended campfires or recreational fires may be allowed in established fire rings associated with an occupied home, cabin, campground, or resort. Check with the site manager for possible additional restrictions.
No fireworks may be ignited on any public or private land outside city limits. Check with the local community for any additional restrictions.
The state will not issue burning permits for brush or yard waste.

Several counties in the northern part of the state are under extreme drought conditions, and open burning, including campfires, is not allowed.

To see the latest fire danger and burning restriction maps, click here.

As of Tuesday, a wildfire burning near Greenwood Lake in Isabella, Minnesota, is now over 2,000 acres.

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