The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) will lift burning restrictions on Friday, May 22 at 8 a.m. for the following counties: Aitkin, Becker, Crow Wing, Otter Tail, Wadena, and the southern half of Cass County.

"The DNR wants to be cautious when lifting restrictions, but we feel adequate green-up will take place by Memorial Day weekend," said Larry Himanga, fire prevention forester.

Himanga added that although restrictions will be removed, anyone starting a fire is responsible for tending and extinguishing it. If a fire gets away, the landowner is liable for the costs of putting the fire out.

Any burning, other than a campfire or items burned in a burn barrel require a burning permit, which are available from local forestry offi ces, fire wardens, or online at http://webapps1.dnr.state. mn.us/burning_permits/. A fee may be charged to obtain a permit.