The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources is expanding burning restrictions in northern Minnesota.
Koochiching and Lake of the Woods Counties are among areas where outdoor burning of any kind is now prohibited.
Campfires are allowed only in an established fire ring associated with a home, cabin, campground, or resort.
The use of fireworks is prohibited, and burning permits are being put on hold until further notice.
The restrictions will remain in effect until terminated by the DNR commissioner when weather and environmental conditions indicate a significant reduction in fire danger.
A total of fourteen Counties are now impacted by the restrictions.
The ongoing drought and increased forest fire activity are prompting the measures.
“The nearly 1,500 wildfires that have occurred in Minnesota since March are more than we typically see in an entire year,” says Linda Gormanson, the DNR’s burning permit coordinator. “We want people to keep recreating and enjoying the outdoors, but in ways that reduce the risk of igniting a wildfire.”
The restrictions will remain in effect until terminated by the DNR commissioner when weather and environmental conditions indicate a significant reduction in fire danger.
