Burning restricted in some northern Minnesota counties

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources has imposed burning restrictions in five northern Minnesota counties.

Spring burning is now prohibited in Lake of the Woods, Roseau, Kittson, Marshall, and Pennington Counties as the wildfire risk increases across the state.

Restrictions are also in place in 38 other counties.

The DNR says permits in those areas will not be issued until the danger eases.

“Wildfire danger is especially high in spring because dormant or dead vegetation from the previous year has dried out and there is no snow protection,” says Karen Harrison, DNR wildfire prevention specialist, in a statement.

“Recent snow and rain provided temporary relief in some areas, but cured grasses and downed leaves can dry out quickly. Once the landscape greens up, fire danger goes down – but until then, burning restrictions reduce the potential for unintended wildfire starts.”

Burning is permitted in Koochiching County but requires a variance permit, which is issued for special circumstances.

There have already been more than 300 fires reported this year, many in the southern parts of the state.

The DNR says 90% of wildfires in Minnesota are human-caused

There are also restrictions on daytime burning in most communities across the Rainy River District.

Chapple, Emo & LaVallee Fire and Emergency Services report on its Facebook page that its firefighters have responded to a number of grass fires in recent days.