No burn permits for Cook County at this time

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources has issued a notice that burning permit activations are being restricted for Lake and Cook Counties due to the predicted low humidity and winds forecasted for today, May 20 and tomorrow, May 21. 

Variances may still be issued on a case-by-case basis from a DNR Forestry Office, but for now routine burning of debris is restricted.

Anyone with questions may contact DNR Forester Aaron Mielke at 218-387-6031. 

Cook County is currently under a "moderate" fire danger ranking, however that can change. Before considering any burning of yard debris, visit the  MN DNR statewide fire danger information page. 

If a debris fire, or any other fire, does get out of control, people should call 911 immediately.

The DNR cautions that grass fires can be deceptively fast, change direction suddenly, and be challenging to extinguish. Trained firefighting professionals would rather be called in to put out a fire safely than have someone get hurt or lose their life trying to extinguish it themselves.

In the end, prevention is key. Anyone planning to have a campfire this spring should follow the basic safety rules:

• Keep flammable material 3 feet away from the fire.
• Attend to the campfire at all times.
• Have a handy source of water ready.
• Stir the ashes and make certain the campfire is completely out before leaving.