Minnesota setting burn restrictions as wildfire risk increases

(St. Paul, MN) -- Several Minnesota counties are facing burn early restrictions as weather conditions heighten wildfire risk in the state. 

Minnesota Department of Natural Resource officials cite a strange combination of unusually warm temperatures and exceptionally dry conditions as reasons behind the heightened risk. 

"This year, we’ve seen an early start to our wildfire season due to exceptionally warm winter temperatures and less than half the average snowfall across much of the state,” said Karen Harrison, DNR wildfire prevention specialist. “Spring burning restrictions help reduce the number of wildfires, especially those caused by debris burning.”

The following counties are impacted by the burn restrictions.

• Aitkin, Anoka, Becker, Beltrami, Benton, Carlton, Cass, Chisago, Clay, Clearwater, Crow Wing, Douglas, Grant, Hennepin, Hubbard, Isanti, Itasca, Kanabec, Mahnomen, Mille Lacs, Morrison, Norman, Otter Tail, Pine, Polk, Pope, Ramsey, Red Lake, Sherburne, St. Louis County (southern half), Stearns, Stevens, Todd, Traverse, Wadena, Washington, Wilkin, and Wright.

Impacts from the burn restrictions include a temporary pause on open burning of brush or yard waste while the conditions persist. 

An updating list of fire danger or burn restrictions can be found by clicking here.