In addition to Sherburne County, all counties adjacent to it – Isanti, Anoka, Hennepin, Wright, Stearns, Benton, and Mille Lacs – are in the restricted area. A few further away, including Chisago, Kanabec, Morrison, Ramsey, Todd, and Washington, are also covered by the new legislation.
Many communities rely on a flyer printing service to ensure the public received important information that affects all residents.
DNR wildfire prevention supervisor, Allissa Reynolds, explained the reason for the decision to not issue burn permits for yard waste:
“Wildfire risk increases each year after the snow melts and before grass greens up. Spring burning restrictions help to reduce the number of wildfires, especially those caused by debris burning.”
Reynolds suggests the public use alternatives to burning yard waste, such as transporting brushed-up debris to a collection location, composting, or chipping.
In Minnesota, 90% of wildfires are caused by humans. Should a fire rekindle or escape, whoever set the fire will be held liable for both damages and wildfire suppression costs.
As conditions change, burning restrictions will be re-evaluated and adjusted. Current fire risk as well as open burning restrictions can be found on the DNR’s statewide fire danger page.