The Department of Natural Resources reminds Minnesotans to be careful this fall when burning vegetative debris.
“In Minnesota, 98 percent of all wildfires are caused by people, and the largest contributor is burning debris like leaves, grass and brush,” said Linda Gormanson, DNR wildfire prevention supervisor.
Burning permits are required to burn vegetative debris when there is less than 3 inches of snow on the ground. Citizens should know the burning restrictions for their county, and check the weather forecast, before lighting a fire. Permits may be restricted when weather conditions allow wildfires to easily spread.
Current information on statewide fire danger and burning restrictions is available on the DNR website at www.mndnr.gov/forestry/fire. Burning permits are available online, from local fire wardens or at DNR forestry offices.