Minnesota DNR and Governor’s Office institute statewide burning ban due to COVID-19 response

Due to the Covid-19 response the DNR and Governor’s Office have instituted a statewide burning ban.  Mower County Sheriff Steve Sandvik reported that the ban includes all issued burning permits.

Recreational fires are allowed with unpainted and untreated wood, coal or charcoal, and they must be at least 25 feet away from a structure, or any combustible materials.  Recreational fires must be contained within a grill, fire ring, or fire pit, and a fire extinguisher, buckets of sand or water, shovels or garden hoses must be readily available.  Sheriff Sandvik stated that recreational fires must be constantly attended by a person knowledgeable in the use of fire extinguishing equipment, and must be supervised until fully extinguished. Sandvik also reminds everyone to remember to follow social distancing guidelines when conducting recreational fires.

As the situation with the Covid-19 response evolves, there may be updates to the burning ban.  Sheriff Sandvik stated that you can check the DNR website and/or the State Fire Marshal’s websites for additional information. 

 Any violations of the statewide burning ban within Mower County may result in citations being issued.