[Excerpts from Mar. 24 Minnesota DNR News Release]
Burning restrictions will be implemented by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources over much of central and northern Minnesota within the next two weeks. The purpose of the fire restrictions is to reduce the large number of wildfires caused by vegetative debris burning and to reduce personal property damage.

Beginning April 1, 2003 fire restrictions will take effect in the following counties: Aitkin, Anoka, Becker, Beltrami, Benton, Carlton, Cass, Carver, Chisago, Clearwater, Cook, Crow Wing, Dakota, Douglas, Grant, Hennepin, Hubbard, Isanti, Itasca, Kanabec, Koochiching, Lake, Lake of the Woods, Mahnomen, Mille Lacs, Morrison, Otter Tail, Pine, Pope, Ramsey, Scott, Sherburne, St. Louis, Stearns, Todd, Wadena Washington, Wright, and the eastern one-half of Roseau county.

Snowfall through out Minnesota was well below average this winter and many areas of the state experienced fires into January. Within the last week DNR has responded to several fires and as conditions dry fire agencies are expecting an increase in fire activity. Historically 80 percent of all wildfires in Minnesota occur during April and May, and data indicates that most spring wildfires originate from the burning of yard debris.

Full Release
MN Wildfire Information Center

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