The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources is encouraging homeowners to get rid of vegetative debris, now that seasonal fires have already made their way to Minnesota. Vegetative debris includes downed tees and branches, grass clippings and leaves. Typically, most wildfires in Minnesota occur in April and May, but with little snow this winter and no snow on the grounds, spring wildfire activity has begun. “Because of the high fire danger during the time period between snow melt and spring green up, the DNR initiates burning restrictions during that time,” said DNR Fire Prevention Coordinator Larry Himanga. With 95% of Minnesota wildfires being caused by human error, these restrictions have resulted in a dramatic decrease in both the numbers and sizes of accidental fires, Himanga said. Many wildfires have already been reported, such as two last week in Hackensack and Fergus Falls. The wildfire that occurred in Fergus Falls spread out to an estimate of 10 to 20 acres. The DNR is urging great caution when burning debris piles, and notes the safest way to dispose of yard waste is to recycle or compost it. As always, attend to fires at all times and make sure they are out and cold to the touch before leaving. For the latest information on burning restrictions log into www.mndnr.gov.
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