Posted: 3/19/03

DNR: Burning restrictions coming soon

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources and other wildfire agencies are gearing up for an active spring fire season.

Below average snowfall this winter and the prediction for a dry spring have these agencies concerned.

Snow cover statewide is well below the averages for this time of year. Due to these conditions, restrictions on burning permits will be imposed in the northern two-thirds of the state within one to two weeks after snow cover has melted.

April 1, restrictions will go into effect in the central Minnesota counties of Morrison, Mille Lacs, Kanabec, Stearns, Benton, Chisago, Isanti, Sherburne, Anoka, Washington, Ramsey, Hennepin, Wright, Carver, Scott and Dakota.

Property owners are encouraged to dispose of their brush piles and other yard waste now, said Olin Phillips, DNR State Fire Section manager.

ìChipping, composting and leaving small piles far from buildings for wildlife habitat are preferred alternatives to burning,î Philips said. ìProperty owners who must burn their vegetative debris will need to use extreme caution and get a burning permit until restrictions are implemented.î

Since April and May are the most active months for fires in Minnesota, the DNR has been imposing restrictions that do not allow for the issuing of burning permits.

ìDuring this period, the DNR responds to approximately 1,200 fires,î Phillips said. ìHowever, restrictions were initiated five years ago and fires during the restriction period have been reduced by 35 to 40 percent statewide.

ìAlso, since 99 percent of wildland fires are human caused, restricting burning permits is an excellent way of controlling fire starts and the costs associated with them.î

The following Firewise tips can help property owners protect their homes from wildfire loss:

ï Remove leaves, branches and other debris from roofs and gutters, which are places that burning embers from a wildlife can ignite a home.

ï Chip or compost vegetative debris piles

ï Rake up the leaves and debris from around the foundation, especially in planting areas

ï Move woodpiles, lumber or other burnable debris at least 30 feet from any buildings.

For more Firewise tips, visit the DNR Web site at www.dnr.state.mn.us/firewise or call the DNR Information Center at (651) 296-6157 or toll free 1-888-MINNDNR (646-6367) and ask for a Firewise information packet.

Communities can get more information about developing a community Firewise program by calling the DNR Information Center.

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