With the COVID-19 pandemic, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has proactively transitioned the entire State of Minnesota into burning restrictions consistent with Gov. Tim Walz’s executive orders. Currently, recreational fires are permissible, but open burning will require a permit within city limits, according to Crookston Firefighter Justin Johnson. “If there is a burning ban in the city, even recreational fires will not be permitted,” said Johnson. “If you’re ever curious if it’s allowed, call the fire department and/or check on the DNR website for all burning bands. It is required that if you are going to do any open burning on your property in the City of Crookston, you have to have a burn permit.”
The only permits being granted for non-recreational fires both in the city and in the entire fire district are variance permits. Johnson said that ultimately the DNR will determine whether anyone is allowed to burn with their variance permit. “Burn permits are currently required,” said Johnson. “It is probably best right now with COVID that you call in advance to get your permit so that we can fill out the required information. Then, you can stop down to get your permit and then activate it. With the COVID-19 pandemic, only variance permits are being allowed at this time, and it will be up to the DNR if you are ultimately allowed to burn in the Crookston district.”
Those looking to burn will still obtain their permit through the fire department, but Johnson says people should call in advance so they can be filled out ahead of pickup. “You need to have a permit filled out from the Crookston Fire Department, along with a DNR permit before you burn at all right now,” said Johnson. “And you need to have it activated, and the permit signed before you start the fire. When you get these permits, you need to call us in advance and then follow the rest of the directions on the permit for your open burning. If you have any other recreational fire questions or burn permit questions, please feel free to call us at the CFD at 281-4584.”
The Crookston Fire Department provided a simplified version of the City of Crookston Burning Rules below, or the full rules can be found in the City Code Ordinance Section 94.60.
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