Minnesota DNR Adds St. Louis County to Burning Restrictions List

With the risk of wildfire moving into the northeast part of the state, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources has added St. Louis to the burning restrictions list.

Effective immediately, the state will not issue burning permits for brush or yard waste in St. Louis County until the restrictions are lifted.

“People may not perceive how easily fires can accidentally get out of control when it’s dry outside,” said Casey McCoy, DNR fire prevention supervisor. “By restricting burning during our peak wildfire season, we’ve significantly reduced the number of wildfires Minnesota has experienced over the past decade.”

The DNR says that escaped yard debris burns remain the #1 cause of wildfires in Minnesota and anyone burning debris can be held financially responsible if their fire escapes and burns other property.

Instead of burning yard waste, they recommend that landowners compost, chip, or take brush to a collection site. "Composting offers a safe, easy way to turn yard debris into a usable material that can improve your soil and reduce fertilizer and water use." You can click here to access a wealth of information on composting, including tips to help all landowners do it efficiently.