ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — With fire danger high, Minnesota officials are asking for the public’s help in reducing the risk of wildfires.

Department of Natural Resources Commissioner Tom Landwehr says Minnesota has “a unique and dangerous combination of fires that are not yet well contained up north,” while the southern part of the state has “a serious fire risk.”

Landwehr is asking Minnesotans to take precautions. Those include avoiding mowing dry fields and lawns until fire danger improves, avoiding target shooting, and carrying a fire extinguisher when operating machinery in dry areas.

Minnesotans also are asked to follow all burning restrictions. Campfires and other open burning are banned in several areas of the state.

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