DNR adds Cook County to list of burning restrictions

Burning restrictions for Cook, Koochiching, Lake, Lake of the Woods, and the remainder of St. Louis County went into effect May 2, according to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources.

“Until the growth of new grass appears and we move into summer conditions, restrictions will remain in place,” said Ron Stoffel, DNR wildfire suppression supervisor. “This could take four or more weeks.”

Dead, dry grass provides a perfect fuel bed for firebrands that may escape from burning leaves and brush. Human-caused wildfires account for 98 percent of all wildfires in Minnesota.

These counties join the 36 counties placed under restrictions in mid-April. They include: Aitkin, Anoka, Becker, Beltrami, Benton, Carlton, Cass, Clearwater, Crow Wing, Chisago, Dakota, Douglas, Hennepin, Hubbard, Isanti, Itasca, Kanabec, Kittson, Mahnomen, Marshall, Mille Lacs, Morrison, Otter Tail, Pennington, Pine, Polk east of Highway 6 and south of Highway 92, Pope, Ramsey, Roseau, Sherburne, Stearns, Stevens, Todd, Wadena, Washington, and Wright.

At this time, campfires are still legal. A burning permit is not required if the campfire is no more than 3 feet in diameter, 3 feet tall, and is attended at all times.