Man cited for illegal burning after fire spreads to several acres of property Times staff report FAIRHAVEN TOWNSHIP — A man was cited for illegal burning after an attempt to burn a log spread to several acres of a wooded lot Monday afternoon, according to the Stearns County Sheriff's Office. A Stearns County deputy noticed smoke around 1:26 p.m. Monday while patrolling Stearns County Road 44, according to a Wednesday release. The deputy traced the smoke to 7055 County Road 44 east of Kimball. Several acres of a wooded lot were on fire and flames were surrounding a private residence. The property owner, James Hay, 62, told the deputy he tried to burn a large log and the fire spread out of control, the release said.