Cook County residents and visitors are advised that the National Weather Service in Duluth has forecasted extremely hot and dry weather for our area for the next seven days.  This type of weather dramatically increases the chance of potential wildfires. The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources has burning restrictions in place for all of Cook County and most of Northeastern Minnesota.

The following restrictions are in place:

• No campfires are allowed for dispersed, remote, or backcountry camping on all lands.
• Campfires are allowed only in an established fire ring associated with a home, cabin, campground, or resort.
• No fireworks may be ignited on any public or private lands.
• Burning permits will not be issued for brush or yard waste.

These restrictions could change, please go to the MN DNR website for the most up to date  information: https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/forestry/fire/firerating_restrictions.html

The Grand Portage Tribal Community has similar restrictions also in place.  Please contact Grand Portage Forestry for more information at218-475-2033 or 218-475-2035.

The United States Forest Service also has burning restrictions in place in Federal lands and within the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCA).  Contact the Gunflint Ranger Station for more information at218-387-1750 or the USFS website: https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/forestry/fire/firerating_restrictions.html

Please tend to all campfires and barbecue grills at all times and properly extinguish with water.