Spring burning restrictions are now in effect in 15 central Minnesota counties which also includes Hennepin and Ramsey Counties.
"We are having really dry conditions, especially in central and southern Minnesota," says Minnesota DNR wildfire prevention specialist Karen Harrison. “Even after precipitation, fine fuels, such as grass and small twigs, can dry out quickly from wind or low relative humidity, making them easy fuel for a wildfire.”
People cause more than 90% of wildfires in Minnesota with spring burning restrictions helping reduce wildfires by 30% over the past ten years according to the DNR.
And with Minnesota's ever-changing spring weather, spring burning restrictions are updated regularly.
"It might be cool, dry in the morning and then really windy in the afternoon," Harrison says. "So very different conditions from one part of the day to the next, to the next day, even having the snowfall in the spring, right? So we're monitoring conditions regularly and adjust accordingly."
The spring burning restrictions went into effect March 24 at 6:00 a.m. and includes: Anoka, Benton, Chisago, Hennepin, Isanti, Kanabec, Mille Lacs, Morrison, Pine, Ramsey, Sherburne, Stearns, Todd, Washington, and Wright Counties.
For the majority of the rest of the state, the DNR is accepting permits to burn debris like small amounts of dry leaves and brush. Only a small portion of the state - the arrowhead counties of Lake and Cook - have no burning restrictions at this time.
The restrictions mean the DNR will not issue permits for opening burning of brush or yard waste until the restrictions are lifted.
"Minnesota experienced below average precipitation and drought conditions persisted through the winter and snowpack was pretty inconsistent across the state," Harrison said.
Most of Minnesota is at least abnormally or moderately dry according to the U.S. Drought Monitor, with a couple of pockets of severe drought. But that lack of snow is causing things to dry out faster than usual.
The DNR says yard waste and debris is the biggest concern.
"Debris burning is the number one cause of wildfires in Minnesota, and spring restrictions have reduced wildfires by 30% over the last decade," Harrison adds. "So it's a great tool for reducing the number of wildfires and, you know, decreasing that risk to people in the community here in Minnesota."
Composting, chipping, or taking brush to a collection site are among the ways the Minnesota DNR encourages people to dispose of yard waste during the burning restrictions.
You can get more information and keep up-to-date on restrictions by visiting the DNR website here.