BROWN COUNTY — Effective Monday, March 29, at noon, until further notice, the Brown County Sheriff’s Office has issued a burning ban for all of Brown County.

A red flag warning has been issued by the Minnesota Interagency Fire Center (MNIFC) for portions of west central Minnesota. While this red flag warning does not include Brown County, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (MnDNR) states that the fire danger for Brown County is “very high” which means that fires start easily and spread at a very fast rate.

Recreational camp fires must be contained in a ring of either rock, cement, brick or metal, must not be closer than 25 feet to any structure and be attended to.

Charcoal grills, wood smokers, and propane or natural gas devices are not considered open burning.

The Brown County Sheriff’s Office and the Brown County Planning and Zoning Office want to also remind residents that the burning of garbage is illegal.

Violation of the issued burning ban is punishable by fine up to $1,000 and not more than 90 days in jail, or both. Authority Brown County Ordinance 2013-01.