Spring debris burning restrictions in 18 Minnesota counties will go into effect at 8 a.m. on April 7. The purpose of the fire restrictions is to reduce personal property damage resulting from wildfires caused by debris burning.

The counties affected by the April 7 fire restrictions are: Anoka, Ramsey, Hennepin, Dakota, Carver, Isanti, Chisago, Pine, Kanabec, Sherburne, Mille Lacs, Morrison, Scott, Wright, Benton, Stearns, Washington and Todd.

Within the past week, the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and local fire departments have responded to wildfires in the Little Falls area.

As temperatures continue to warm up and vegetation dries out, fire agencies are expecting an increase in fire activity.

Data indicate that most spring wildfires originate from the burning of yard debris, according to Olin Phillips, the DNRís fire protection manager.

ìThe DNR is asking residents to use alternative methods of debris disposal, such as recycling, composting or chipping,î Phillips said.

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. This is a restriction on issuing debris burning permits.

Forestry personnel may still give some variances for specific activities.

ìEach variance application is reviewed separately,î said Phillips. ìThese permits are only granted for situations such as prescribed fires conducted by trained fire personnel, burning for approved agricultural practices, and construction or economic hardship burning for which there is no feasible alternative.î

Historically, 80 percent of all wildfires in Minnesota occur during April and May, since the inception of annual permit restrictions numbers of spring Wildland fires have been reduced.

More counties will be added to the restricted area as snow cover disappears and potential for wildfire increases in areas north of the metro. For more information people should contact the local DNR office.

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