Tips on debris burning (from MNDNR)
Every year, Minnesota wildland firefighters and local fire departments respond to some 7,500 wildfires. Careless debris burning causes about 40% of these wildfires. Burning of household waste has been illegal in Minnesota since 1969. Only farm households that have NO garbage pickup service available to them are permitted to bury or burn some household waste items if specific environmental guidelines are followed.
| CLEAR AND REMOVE Clear and remove dirt from piles. Piles full of dirt will smolder for days afterward. PILES= 4'x 4' WATCH MATERIALS |
Some often heard excuses for fire violations.
"I didn't know I needed a
burning permit."
Burning permits are required, unless the ground has 3 inches
or more of snow, from the
Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, the U.S.
Forest Service, or a designated fire warden.
"I didn't know what time it
was."
Burning hours are written on each permit. A permit is needed
for an approved burning container if it is used outside the
legal hours of 6 p.m. and 8 am., and for all pile burning.
"I didn't know you had to
watch the fire the whole time."
Fires must be attended and kept under control at all times.
You may receive a fine and will be responsible for fire
suppression costs if the fire escapes control.
"I thought the burn barrel
was out when I went to town."
Make sure the fire is completely out and cold before you
leave. Use lots of water and stir the burning material.
"I thought the ashes were
cold when I dumped them out in the field."
When disposing of ashes, soak ashes thoroughly with water
until all embers are cold. Double-check ashes to be sure
they are DEAD OUT before dumping (until the embers are cold
to the touch).
"I didn't know there were
restrictions on."
The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources imposes
fire restrictions every spring. The dates are determined
by time of snow melt until the vegetation greens up. No
burning permits are issued at this time.
"I didn't know a fire could
burn so hot and move so fast!"
Fires can and do get hot and move very quickly.