May 1, 2026
St. Paul, Minn., – TThe Minnesota Department of Natural Resources is expanding the area subject to open burning restrictions of vegetative debris, as warm and dry weather spreads throughout the state. Escaped fire from burning vegetative debris is the number one cause of wildfires in Minnesota, and burning restrictions help reduce wildfire risk.
Beginning Saturday, May 2, at 8 a.m., additional counties in which burning restrictions apply are Cook and Lake.
Restrictions remain in place in Aitkin, Anoka, Becker, Beltrami, Benton, Carlton, Cass, Chisago, Clay, Clearwater, Crow Wing, Douglas, Grant, Hennepin, Hubbard, Isanti, Itasca, Kanabec, Kittson, Koochiching, Lake of the Woods, Mahnomen, Marshall, Mille Lacs, Morrison, Norman, Otter Tail, Pennington, Pine, Polk, Pope, Ramsey, Red Lake, Roseau, Sherburne, St. Louis, Stearns, Stevens, Todd, Traverse, Wadena, Washington, Wilkin, and Wright.
The DNR will not issue permits for the open burning of brush or yard waste in these counties until restrictions are lifted.
“People might not realize how easily a fire can accidentally get out of control when it’s dry outside,” said Karen Harrison, DNR wildfire prevention specialist. “By restricting burning during periods of high wildfire risk, we’ve significantly reduced the number of wildfires Minnesota has experienced over the past decade.”
If people need to dispose of vegetation or yard waste, Harrison said composting, chipping or taking brush to a collection site are all good options. For more information, visit the composting for woodland owners page of the DNR website (mndnr.gov/wildfire/prevention/debris-composting.html).
People cause more than 90% of wildfires in Minnesota. If a fire rekindles or escapes, the person who set it is liable for any damage caused, as well as for the costs of wildfire suppression.
Burning restrictions will be adjusted as conditions change. For more information and daily updates on current fire risk and open burning restrictions, visit the statewide fire danger and burning restrictions page of the DNR website (mndnr.gov/burnrestrictions).
For more information, Contact the DNR Information Center by email or call 888-646-6367.