03-22-2007, 05:10 PM
Open burning restrictions for this spring will start April 2, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) announced today. Above freezing temperatures in recent weeks have considerably reduced the amount of snow cover throughout the state. This is a cause for concern, according to DNR fire prevention specialist Larry Himanga.
"The lack of snow on the ground allows the vegetation to dry out much faster, which increases the likelihood a fire will start and spread rapidly," Himanga said. "This year's general lack of snow cover and continued drought will leave vegetation dryer than normal going into the spring season."
Traditionally, April and May are months when local, state and federal agencies respond to the highest number of wildfires.
Approximately 80 percent of all wildfires in Minnesota occur during this period. This will be the eighth year the DNR has issued spring burning restrictions. As a result, the number of wildfires in April and May have decreased significantly.
Once the restrictions are in place, they will continue for four to six weeks, or until vegetation greens up enough to significantly lower the fire danger. The DNR can issue a limited number of permits through a variance process during the restriction period.
However, these permits are confined to situations such as prescribed fires that are conducted by trained personnel, burning for approved agricultural practices and construction, or economic hardship burning for which there is no feasible alternative.
Himanga said the burning of yard debris is a major cause of wildfires in Minnesota. He noted this is especially true in the spring because the combination of burning near dry, dead grasses and the normal springtime gusty winds often create conditions perfect for fire spread.
"State law dictates that the costs associated with the suppression of fires that escape control are the property owner's responsibility," Himanga said. "By restricting unnecessary burns, we're helping to suppress that likelihood and protect personal property and lives."
Instead of burning, the DNR recommends property owners consider other alternatives such as composting and chipping their yard debris.
Specific locations and dates for the open burning restrictions will be determined and announced at a later date.
"The lack of snow on the ground allows the vegetation to dry out much faster, which increases the likelihood a fire will start and spread rapidly," Himanga said. "This year's general lack of snow cover and continued drought will leave vegetation dryer than normal going into the spring season."
Traditionally, April and May are months when local, state and federal agencies respond to the highest number of wildfires.
Approximately 80 percent of all wildfires in Minnesota occur during this period. This will be the eighth year the DNR has issued spring burning restrictions. As a result, the number of wildfires in April and May have decreased significantly.
Once the restrictions are in place, they will continue for four to six weeks, or until vegetation greens up enough to significantly lower the fire danger. The DNR can issue a limited number of permits through a variance process during the restriction period.
However, these permits are confined to situations such as prescribed fires that are conducted by trained personnel, burning for approved agricultural practices and construction, or economic hardship burning for which there is no feasible alternative.
Himanga said the burning of yard debris is a major cause of wildfires in Minnesota. He noted this is especially true in the spring because the combination of burning near dry, dead grasses and the normal springtime gusty winds often create conditions perfect for fire spread.
"State law dictates that the costs associated with the suppression of fires that escape control are the property owner's responsibility," Himanga said. "By restricting unnecessary burns, we're helping to suppress that likelihood and protect personal property and lives."
Instead of burning, the DNR recommends property owners consider other alternatives such as composting and chipping their yard debris.
Specific locations and dates for the open burning restrictions will be determined and announced at a later date.