Caledonia Argus

Burn restrictions in place for county

Posted: 4/13/04

By David Heiller
Argus News Editor

Burning restrictions were implemented for Houston County on April 9.

Local fire wardens are not issuing any burning permits at this time.

That will remain in place until the area gets a lot of rain, Valiree Green, Minnesota Department of Natural Resourcesí program forester, told The Argus on April 12

ìWeíre still 10 inches behind on precipitation,î she said.

While itís not a total burning ban, only prescribed burns are now allowed, she said. Those permits must be obtained from her or co-worker Randy Mell at the DNR office at 603 North Sprague Street in Caledonia. Call them first at 507-724-5261, extension five.

Prescribed burns are allowed because they they are well-planned by people who know what they are doing, Green said. Even then, there are important considerations such as wind velocity, humidity, and having adequate supervision.

Fire departments have been having problems with people burning piles of garbage, Green said. Burning household garbage is never allowed, she said.

If a fire department is called to put out a fire which gets out of control, the homeowner will be issued a citation and will have to pay the cost of putting out the fire, Green said.

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