The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources has added Kittson, Lake of the Woods, Marshall, Pennington and Roseau counties to the area with open burning restrictions as warm and dry weather spreads throughout the state, the DNR said Friday.

Burning of vegetative debris is the No. 1 cause of wildfires in Minnesota, and burning restrictions help reduce wildfire risk, the DNR said.

Restrictions remain in place in the following counties: Aitkin, Anoka, Becker, Beltrami, Benton, Carlton, Cass, Chisago, Clay, Clearwater, Crow Wing, Douglas, Grant, Hennepin, Hubbard, Isanti, Itasca, Kanabec, Mahnomen, Mille Lacs, Morrison, Norman, Otter Tail, Pine, Polk, Pope, Ramsey, Red Lake, Sherburne, St. Louis County (southern half), Stearns, Stevens, Todd, Traverse, Wadena, Washington, Wilkin and Wright.

The DNR will not issue permits for the open burning of brush or yard waste in these counties until restrictions are lifted.

“Wildfire danger is especially high in spring because dormant or dead vegetation from the previous year has dried out and there is no snow protection,” Karen Harrison, DNR wildfire prevention specialist, said in a statement. “Recent snow and rain provided temporary relief in some areas, but cured grasses and downed leaves can dry out quickly. Once the landscape ‘greens up,’ fire danger goes down — but until then, burning restrictions reduce the potential for unintended wildfire starts.”

If people need to dispose of vegetation or yard waste, Harrison said composting, chipping, or taking brush to a collection site are all good options. For more information, visit the composting for woodland owners page of the DNR website at mndnr.gov/wildfire/prevention/debris-composting.html .

People cause 90% of wildfires in Minnesota. Due to the high wildfire potential this spring, people should be careful with anything that can cause a spark, especially on dry, windy days. If a fire rekindles or escapes, the person who set it is liable for any damage caused, as well as for wildfire suppression costs.

Burning restrictions will be adjusted as conditions change.

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