More Burning Restrictions for the Brainerd Lakes

Burning restrictions will go in place next week for Aitkin, Cass and Crow Wing counties.

The DNR says the restrictions will begin April 20th.

Burning restrictions were previously announced for Kanabec, Mille Lacs, Morrison, and Todd counties and will take effect on April 16.

These restrictions are put in place each spring to reduce the
occurrence of wildfires, which can damage homes and other personal
property.

Due to snowmelt, warming weather, and dry vegetation, much of Minnesota
is at increased risk of wildfires. The risk will remain high until green
vegetation emerges. Until that time, no burning will be allowed in the
affected counties unless a special permit is obtained from a local
forestry office.

Special permits will only be written for extenuating circumstances such
as time sensitive construction projects and prescribed burning conducted
by professional firefighters. The DNR encourages the use of composting,
recycling, and chipping as alternatives to burning.

While debris burning will be curtailed, the use of campfires, if
smaller than 3 feet in diameter and 3 feet in height, will continue to
be allowed. Permits are not required for this type of fire if it meets
the above conditions and is monitored until coals have cooled.