burning restrictions

The spring green-up is allowing authorities to lift burning restrictions in 13 Twin Cities metro and central Minnesota counties.

The Department of Natural Resources is lifting the remaining campfire restrictions in northeastern Minnesota on Friday. The DNR says recent rains, cool weather and higher evening humidity are making it less likely for campfires to cause a wildfire in that part of Minnesota.

The Department of Natural Resources is placing temporary burning restrictions on much of northern Minnesota because of fire danger. Monday's forecast calls for warm conditions with low humidity and moderate winds throughout most of Minnesota. While a cold front is expected to move in and lower temperatures, the DNR says winds are likely to increase and keep fire danger high.

It's the time of year when state fire officials want you to be aware of the dangers of wildfires. Wildfire prevention started in Minnesota after the great Hinckley Fire of 1894 which killed 418 people and destroyed the town of Hinckley. This week is Wildfire Prevention Week.

The Minnesota DNR is asking homeowners to complete open burning now while there is still some snow on the ground. Spring burning restrictions will go into effect soon and the DNR says now is the safest time to burn.