DNR: If You Want To Burn Yard Waste, Do It Now

MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) – Spring fire restrictions will soon take effect in Minnesota, so the Department of Natural Resources is asking those who wish to burn yard waste to do so soon.

The DNR said Monday that homeowners should do necessary open burning now while there is still snow cover in much of the state.

Note: No burning permit is required from the DNR when there are three inches (or more) of continuous snow cover. However, local city regulations may be more stringent on open burning.

If you burn waste while there is no snow cover, the fire could escape and start a wildfire. The DNR said that most wildfires burn in April and May, and, moreover, that 95 percent of them are caused by human error.

If the DNR or the fire department responded to an escaped fire, the homeowner is responsible for the cost.

Larry Himanga, a DNR fire prevention coordinator, encourages homeowners to get rid of yard waste and old leaves in the safest way – by composting and/or recycling them.