Burning Restrictions for Brainerd Area

Burning restrictions on open burning in the Brainerd Lakes Area go into effect Friday April 15.

Rapid snowmelt across much of the state has increased the risk of wildfires, particularly in grassy areas. These fine fuels can ignite easily and spread quickly.

 DNR Fire Prevention Specialist Larry Himanga says, “The lack of snow on the ground allows the vegetation to dry out much faster, which increases the likelihood that a fire will start.  The rapid snow melt this past week has increased drastically the risk for wildfires.”

Burning restrictions begin at 8 a.m. on April 15 in the following counties: Anoka, Benton, Cass south of the border of the Chippewa National Forest, Crow Wing, Chisago, Dakota, Douglas, Isanti, Kanabec, Mille Lacs, Morrison, Pine, Pope, Sherburne, Stearns, Todd, Wadena, Washington, and Wright.

The DNR will add counties as the snow cover recedes northward. For those who plan to burn in counties that still allow open burning with a permit, the window of opportunity will be brief. Most of Minnesota will be under restrictions soon.

Once restrictions are in place, special permits will be written for extenuating circumstances only. 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.