The Crookston Fire Department (CFD) reminds people to be extra careful ahead of Ox Cart Days when it comes to having bonfires. Conditions continue to be extremely dry due to the lack of rain across the Northwest part of the state.
Firefighter Brian Hanson shared some insightful tips and things to keep in mind if you want to have a bonfire. “There are a set of rules for having campfires that are in place in the City of Crookston,” said Hanson. “They are allowed at this time even though we are in a severe drought, and you can find the actual burning restrictions on the Minnesota DNR website. The only thing you’ll be allowed to burn is dry firewood, no lawn clippings or anything like that, just to be extra cautious.”
Other things to keep in mind and rules that are in place are
- The total area of a fire pit should be no more than 3 feet in diameter.
- Flame height shall be no more than 2 feet.
- The fire pit or outdoor fireplace must be located at least 25 feet away from any structure.
- A portable fire extinguisher must be available on the premises.
- Fires must always be attended by a suitable adult.
Hanson also recommended other ways to take extra precautions. “Having enough hose coming off of your house is always going to be a perfect way to stay safe,” said Hanson. “When you’re ready to be done with the fire, wet it down, stir it, and wet it down again. Make sure it’s cool because we don’t want anyone coming the next day and getting burned because the fire wasn’t put out properly.”
There are also new open burning and campfire restrictions in Clay, Douglas, Grant, Kittson, Marshall, Mille Lacs, Norman, Pennington, Polk, Red Lake, Sherburne and Wright counties and the western portion of Roseau County, excluding tribal trust lands. These same restrictions remain in place for Aitkin, Benton, Carlton, Lake of the Woods, Morrison, Todd, and Stearns counties, the eastern portion of Roseau County, and the southern portion of St. Louis County, excluding tribal trust lands. Under these new restrictions:
- No campfires are allowed for dispersed, remote, or backcountry camping on all lands.
- No campfires – with or without a ring – are allowed on any DNR-managed lands. This applies to all campsites, cabins, picnic and other day-use areas. Camp stoves are permitted.
- On non-DNR-managed lands, attended campfires or recreational fires may be allowed in established fire rings associated with an occupied home, cabin, campground, or resort. Check with the site manager for possible additional restrictions.
- No fireworks may be ignited on any public or private land outside city limits. Check with the local community for any additional restrictions.
- The state will not issue burning permits for brush or yard waste.
The new restrictions go into place starting tomorrow.
