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Minnesota Statewide Rule

Minnesota DNR Wildfire Restricted Burning Zones

Heavy RestrictionsApplies statewide across Minnesota (2026)

Key Facts

Authority
Minn. Stat. 88.22
Issuer
DNR Commissioner
Effect
Suspends all permits
Common timing
Spring and drought
Map published
Daily on DNR site
Last verified: August 20, 2026Source: Minnesota Revisor of Statutes

Summary

Minnesota DNR designates statewide and regional wildfire restriction zones during elevated fire danger, suspending all burning permits. Restrictions apply uniformly within designated zones regardless of city or county boundaries.

88.22 WILDFIRE PREVENTION; RESTRICTIONS AND PENALTIES. § Subdivision 1. Imposition of restrictions. (a) Road closure. When the commissioner of natural resources shall determine that conditions conducive to wildfire hazards exist in the wildfire areas of the state and that the presence of persons in the wildlife areas tends to aggravate wildfire hazards, render forest trails impassable by driving thereon during wet seasons and hampers the effective enforcement of state timber trespass and game laws, the commissioner may by written order, close any road or trail leading into any land used for any conservation purposes, to all modes of travel except that considered essential such as residents traveling to and from their homes or in other cases to be determined by the authorized forest officers assigned to guard the area. (b) Burning ban. The commissioner may also, upon such determination, by written order, suspend the issuance of permits for open fires or prescribed burns, revoke or suspend the operation of a permit previously issued and, to the extent the commissioner deems necessary, prohibit the building of all or some kinds of open fires or prescribed burns in all or any part of a wildfire area regardless of whether a permit is otherwise required; and the commissioner also may, by written order, prohibit smoking except at places of habitation or automobiles or other enclosed vehicles properly equipped with an efficient ash tray. § Subd. 2. Dumping ban.

Source: Minnesota Revisor of StatutesView official code

Full Breakdown

Under Minn. Stat. 88.22, the Commissioner of Natural Resources may declare burning restrictions across any portion of Minnesota when fire danger warrants. When a burning restriction is in effect, all open-burning permits are suspended, no new permits issue, and campfires may be limited to approved fire rings only. Restrictions are typically declared during spring greening season before vegetation emerges and during summer drought conditions. The DNR publishes daily fire danger maps statewide. These restrictions preempt local permission; even if a city allowed burning, a state restriction halts it. Violations during restrictions carry enhanced penalties and full liability for resulting wildfires.

Violations & Penalties

Burning during DNR restriction declarations is a misdemeanor with fines up to $1,000, plus enhanced civil liability for wildfire damages and full suppression costs.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if burning is restricted today?
Check the Minnesota DNR fire danger and burning restriction map at mndnr.gov daily. Restrictions are county-by-county and can change rapidly. Local fire wardens also have current information.
Are campfires allowed during burning restrictions?
It depends on the restriction level. Often campfires in approved fire rings at developed campgrounds remain allowed, while dispersed or backyard campfires are banned. Read the specific restriction language carefully.
Do restrictions apply on private property?
Yes. Minn. Stat. 88.22 applies statewide on all lands, public and private. Owning the land does not exempt you from DNR-declared burning restrictions during high fire danger periods.

Sources

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