Burning Restrictions Issued for St. Michael, Wright County

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) placed burning restrictions over much of the state starting Monday, March 26.

These restrictions are put in place each spring to reduce the occurrence of wildfires, which can damage homes and other personal property, according to a DNR press release.

“Due to the continued snowmelt, warming weather, and dry vegetation, much of Minnesota is at increased risk of wildfires,” the DNR said. “The risk will remain high until green vegetation emerges. Until that time, no burning will be allowed unless a special permit is obtained from a local forestry office.”

The burning restrictions mean the state will not give out burning permits for burning brush or yard waste.

Fire Chief Tate Roth of said last week bonfires, within a fire ring or contained area, are still O.K. (maybe not on a day with 25 mph winds). However, large fires to burn tree limbs or old leaves are discouraged.

Spring fire restrictions limit open burning until summer green-up occurs. Most wildfires in Minnesota occur during April and May, according to the DNR, with more than 95 percent of these fires are caused by human error.

“Because of the high fire incidence during this time period, the DNR proactively initiates burning restrictions,” said DNR Fire Prevention Coordinator Larry Himanga.

Hennepin County, Wright County and Anoka County are among 35 Minnesota counties with initial burning restrictions starting April 26, 2012 announced by the DNR Monday.

For those looking to get rid of yard waste, both St. Michael and Albertville operate compost sites. Albertville's is located north of Interstate 94 and west of County Road 37. Take your frist left after passing and look for it on the south side of the road.

In St. Michael, the compost site is located in a fenced area to the northeast of the , in the Rec Park area.

For the statewide fire danger and burning restrictions, check out the maps on the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources website.