Burning restrictions will be lifted for more central Minnesota counties

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) will lift burning restrictions on Friday, May 22 at 8 a.m. for the following counties: Aitkin, Becker, Crow Wing, Otter Tail, Wadena, along with the southern half of Cass County.
 

“The DNR wants to be cautious when lifting restrictions, but we feel adequate green-up will take place by Memorial Day weekend,” said Larry Himanga, fire prevention forester. “This will allow cabin and homeowners to complete yard work that may require vegetation disposal over the holiday weekend.”
 

Himanga added that although restrictions will be removed, anyone starting a fire is responsible for tending and extinguishing it. If a fire gets away, the landowner is liable for the costs of putting the fire out.
 

An alternative to burning is composting vegetative waste and recycling other products.
 

Any burning, other than a campfire or items burned in a burn barrel require a burning permit, which are available from local forestry offices, fire wardens, oronline.
 

A fee may be charged to obtain a permit.