Despite recent snow, fire danger is expected to rapidly increase when the weather warms up, the snow melts and winds dry the dead, standing grass and brush in open areas. Because of that, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources has placed burning restrictions for a number of counties, including Anoka, Hennepin, Isanti, Sherburne and Wright.
The burning restrictions mean the state will not issue permits for burning brush or yard waste. The restrictions limit open burning until summer green-up occurs. Traditionally, most wildfires in Minnesota occur during April and May. More than 95 percent of these fires are caused by human error.
For more information, visit www.dnr.state.mn.us/forestry/fire/firerating_restrictions.html.