Minnesota debris burning restrictions kick in this week

Spring restrictions on burning debris will start this week in many parts of northwestern, southern and central Minnesota, and in early April for other parts of the state.

The restrictions prohibit the open burning of brush or yard waste. They do not apply to campfires, which are still allowed, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources said Monday.

"Debris burning is especially dangerous during April and May when most wildfires occur in Minnesota," especially this year with the early snow melt, the DNR said. "With the snow gone, exposed dead grass and brush can light easily and fires can spread quickly."

Restrictions usually last from four to six weeks when the landscape becomes sufficiently green.