Near-critical fire weather conditions for Wednesday, October 2, as burning bans continue
Oct 02, 2024 09:22AM ● By Content Editor
Photo: Maxim Tajer
By Laura Durenberger-Grunow - Boreal Community Media - October 2, 2024
Due to low relative humidity and high wind gusts, the National Weather Service - Duluth (NWS) has once again announced near-critical fire conditions for Wednesday, October 2. Despite a small amount of precipitation in certain areas of Cook County over the past few days, conditions remain very dry. According to the MN DNR, Cook County is experiencing "Very High" fire danger. This means that "fires start easily and spread at a very fast rate."
Burn bans and restrictions have been implemented. On September 30, the Superior National Forest issued a campfire ban for the entire Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW). On October 1, the Grand Portage Band of Lake Superior Chippewa shared on Facebook that no remote campfires or fireworks were allowed. The entire area of NE Minnesota is restricted from open burning, with the exception of campfires in designated rings/grates (unless otherwise noted by a specific entity).
Smaller businesses have implemented their own restrictions locally. On October 1, Cascade Vacation Rentals and Poplar River Condos at Lutsen issued a statement stating that the use of firepits and charcoal grills was banned at all properties until further notice. The businesses continued, "Please respect our beautiful natural surroundings and the hard work of our volunteer fire departments, and do not have campfires until further notice."
The number of wildfires has increased throughout the warmer months after a very wet spring. The Wood Lake Fire, which is located approximately 16 miles NE of Ely, MN, began on September 10. Crews had been making progress the fire; however, due to warm, dry, and windy conditions, the SNF reported on September 30 that containment had decreased to 25% (down from 50%). The fire is expected to have been caused by humans, although an investigation is still underway.
On Sunday, September 22, a fire was reported along Daniels Lake Trail off the Gunflint Trail in Grand Marais. By September 24, crews had completely contained the 10-acre fire. The cause of the fire was determined to be from lightning.
The SNF additionally reported a wildfire in the BWCAW on Saganaga Lake—Horseshoe Island on Wednesday, September 25. By September 26, the fire had been completely contained. The cause of the fire was determined to be parties who did not have a permit to be in the BWCAW and had multiple campfires outside designated grates/rings. USFS Law Enforcement did issue citations.
Above-average temperatures and below-normal precipitation amounts are forecasted through mid-October.
Visit the MN DNR website here to learn more about current fire danger and burning restrictions in Minnesota.
Due to low relative humidity and high wind gusts, the National Weather Service - Duluth (NWS) has once again announced near-critical fire conditions for Wednesday, October 2. Despite a small amount of precipitation in certain areas of Cook County over the past few days, conditions remain very dry. According to the MN DNR, Cook County is experiencing "Very High" fire danger. This means that "fires start easily and spread at a very fast rate."
Burn bans and restrictions have been implemented. On September 30, the Superior National Forest issued a campfire ban for the entire Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW). On October 1, the Grand Portage Band of Lake Superior Chippewa shared on Facebook that no remote campfires or fireworks were allowed. The entire area of NE Minnesota is restricted from open burning, with the exception of campfires in designated rings/grates (unless otherwise noted by a specific entity).
Smaller businesses have implemented their own restrictions locally. On October 1, Cascade Vacation Rentals and Poplar River Condos at Lutsen issued a statement stating that the use of firepits and charcoal grills was banned at all properties until further notice. The businesses continued, "Please respect our beautiful natural surroundings and the hard work of our volunteer fire departments, and do not have campfires until further notice."
The number of wildfires has increased throughout the warmer months after a very wet spring. The Wood Lake Fire, which is located approximately 16 miles NE of Ely, MN, began on September 10. Crews had been making progress the fire; however, due to warm, dry, and windy conditions, the SNF reported on September 30 that containment had decreased to 25% (down from 50%). The fire is expected to have been caused by humans, although an investigation is still underway.
On Sunday, September 22, a fire was reported along Daniels Lake Trail off the Gunflint Trail in Grand Marais. By September 24, crews had completely contained the 10-acre fire. The cause of the fire was determined to be from lightning.
The SNF additionally reported a wildfire in the BWCAW on Saganaga Lake—Horseshoe Island on Wednesday, September 25. By September 26, the fire had been completely contained. The cause of the fire was determined to be parties who did not have a permit to be in the BWCAW and had multiple campfires outside designated grates/rings. USFS Law Enforcement did issue citations.
Above-average temperatures and below-normal precipitation amounts are forecasted through mid-October.
Visit the MN DNR website here to learn more about current fire danger and burning restrictions in Minnesota.
