Landowners are advised not to burn brush or grasses in low-lying areas at this time, due to a high incident of peat fires across the region, according to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR).
Peat is an accumulation of partially decayed plant material, often found in wetlands or areas that had been wetlands at one time. Peat soil generally absorbs moisture, but unusually dry conditions have created the potential for peat soils to burn this fall. Minnesota has more than 6 million acres of peat, the highest total acreage in the contiguous United States.
If a peat fire is discovered, the local fire department should be contacted immediately. Quick action can significantly limit the negative impact a peat fire can have.
