From the Superior and Chippewa National Forests - May 20, 2020

With fire danger increasing throughout Northern Minnesota, campers and day use visitors in the National Forests should be extra vigilant when building and extinguishing campfires.  With the lack of moisture and increase in temperatures, there is the potential for any escaped fire to spread rapidly, especially on windy days.

We want you to enjoy a campfire, gooey s’mores, and a night sky full of stars, so here a few tips for minimizing those risks:

• Think before you strike. Check for burning restrictions and monitor for extreme fire behavior signs, i.e. high winds and temperatures.
• Use the provided fire rings at dispersed campsites and established fire grates at Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW) campsites.
• Select a level spot a safe distance away from trees, low overhead branches, shrubs, dry grass, or logs to prevent the fire from escaping. Clear all flammable material within 5 feet.
• Have a shovel and water available at the campfire site for extinguishing campfires.
• Supervise the fire at all times. Even a light breeze could cause the fire to spread.
• Extinguish the campfire with water using the “drown and stir” method, make sure it is cold to the touch before leaving the area.
• Limit fires to night-time hours on hot, dry windy days.

For details regarding current fire conditions on Minnesota national forests visit the Minnesota Incident Command System website: www.mnics.org.

Statewide fire danger conditions and current burning restrictions can be found on the Minnesota DNR website atwww.dnr.state.mn.us/forestry/fire/firerating_restrictions.html.

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