MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) – The Department of Natural Resources plans to put counties in central and southeastern Minnesota under tighter campfire and open burning restrictions starting Sunday.

Drought conditions and windy weather have made it so that wildfires start with just a spark and spread extremely fast.

The counties that will be under the tighter restrictions, which are already in place in much of the north, are: Aitkin, Anoka, Carlton, Carver, Cass, Chisago, Crow Wing, Dakota, Fillmore, Goodhue, Hennepin, Houston, Isanti, Olmsted, Pine, Ramsey, Scott, Sherburne, Wabasha, Washington, Winona, and Wright.

The new restrictions prohibit open fires. However, campfires outside municipalities are allowed in a “designated receptacle” at state parks or resorts. These fires must be no more than 3 feet in diameter and height, the DNR said.

Burning permits will not be issued and fireworks will not be allowed outside of municipalities.

Counties in southern Minnesota have also adopted restrictions, but they vary. For more information on burning restrictions, go to the DNR’s website.