The Minnesota DNR Forestry Office in Brainerd reported less than a half-inch of rain in September, continuing the dry conditions that have persisted for a number of weeks.
Mark Mortensen, DNR program forester, also said the dry weather continues a pattern that was seen in the fall of 2011 with a wet spring and dry fall. For the past two weeks, he said no burning permits have been authorized in Cass, Crow Wing and Aitkin counties.
“Until we get some significant moisture, that’s not going to change,” Mortensen said.
Camp fires have not been banned, he said, but he emphasized that caution should be used because of the dry conditions.
“Make sure if they do have a camp fire that it is absolutely dead cold before they leave,” he said.
Mortensen also warned that people working with equipment that might spark a fire in wooded and grassy areas should exercise caution. That includes, ATVs with hot exhaust systems parked in the grass.
DNR officials reported .47 of an inch of rain compared to the 10-year average of 3.24 inches. The year-to-date precipitation total is 30.47 inches compared to an average of 23.31 inches.
The high temperature for September was 88 degrees on Sept 3. The low temperature was 26 degrees on Sept 23.
