Updated: As dry conditions continue, enhanced burning & campfire restrictions set for Lake and Cook Counties, SNF, beginning Friday, October 4
Oct 04, 2024 10:49AM ● By Content Editor
Photo: Joanne Francis via Unsplash.com
By Laura Durenberger-Grunow - Boreal Community Media - October 4, 2024
October 4, 10:45 am update: The Superior National Forest has just issued a restriction on "igniting, building, maintaining, attending, or using a fire or campfire, including charcoal grills and barbeques, coal, and woodburning stoves to reduce the likelihood of a wildfire in Cook and Lake County within the Superior National Forest Boundary." Learn more here.
Recent windy conditions, low relative humidity, and little to no precipitation in the forecast have increased the already dry conditions in the area. Due to the elevated fire danger, the Minnesota DNR has issued elevated burning restrictions for Cook and Lake Counties. The restrictions apply to all non-Tribal lands, however, the Grand Portage Band of Lake Superior Chippewa has already restricted remote campfires and fireworks.
The elevated burn restrictions include no campfires for dispersed, remote, backpacking, or backcountry camping on all lands, no burning of brush or yard waste, and no fireworks on any public or private land outside of city limits. No burning permits will be issued. These restrictions join the campfire ban already set in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness earlier this week. October 4, 10:45 am update: The Superior National Forest (SNF) has now restricted the use of campfires within the SNF boundary. See map here.
Campfires are allowed, but only in an established fire ring associated with a home, cabin, permanent campground or resort. However, some private entities have already restricted campfire use on their properties, and overall, the MN DNR discourages the use of any campfires.
The elevated burning restrictions come after September, which was the warmest and driest month on record in Minnesota. Mike Warnke, Wildfire Administration Supervisor, stated, "One unintentional spark could result in thousands of charred acres and property damage." According to the MN DNR, over 90% of wildfires are caused by humans. Besides avoiding campfires, other ways to prevent an unintended spark are to be mindful of equipment and outdoor activities, including exhaust pipes on ATVs, trailer chains, and lawn equipment.
“We don’t issue burning restrictions lightly. And Minnesotans have a history of making a difference in preventing wildfire when they keep safety top of mind,” Warnke said.
The burning restrictions will remain in effect until further notice. However, the fire danger will likely remain high until significant precipitation is received.
October 4, 10:45 am update: The Superior National Forest has just issued a restriction on "igniting, building, maintaining, attending, or using a fire or campfire, including charcoal grills and barbeques, coal, and woodburning stoves to reduce the likelihood of a wildfire in Cook and Lake County within the Superior National Forest Boundary." Learn more here.
Recent windy conditions, low relative humidity, and little to no precipitation in the forecast have increased the already dry conditions in the area. Due to the elevated fire danger, the Minnesota DNR has issued elevated burning restrictions for Cook and Lake Counties. The restrictions apply to all non-Tribal lands, however, the Grand Portage Band of Lake Superior Chippewa has already restricted remote campfires and fireworks.
The elevated burn restrictions include no campfires for dispersed, remote, backpacking, or backcountry camping on all lands, no burning of brush or yard waste, and no fireworks on any public or private land outside of city limits. No burning permits will be issued. These restrictions join the campfire ban already set in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness earlier this week. October 4, 10:45 am update: The Superior National Forest (SNF) has now restricted the use of campfires within the SNF boundary. See map here.
State Forests with Restricted Campfires for Dispersed Camping:
- Bear Island State Forest (only in Lake County areas)
- Cloquet Valley State Forest (only in Lake County areas)
- Finland State Forest (Lake)
- Grand Portage State Forest (Cook)
- Insula Lake State Forest (Lake)
- Lake Isabela State Forest (Lake)
- Pat Bayle State Forest (Cook)
Campfires are allowed, but only in an established fire ring associated with a home, cabin, permanent campground or resort. However, some private entities have already restricted campfire use on their properties, and overall, the MN DNR discourages the use of any campfires.
The elevated burning restrictions come after September, which was the warmest and driest month on record in Minnesota. Mike Warnke, Wildfire Administration Supervisor, stated, "One unintentional spark could result in thousands of charred acres and property damage." According to the MN DNR, over 90% of wildfires are caused by humans. Besides avoiding campfires, other ways to prevent an unintended spark are to be mindful of equipment and outdoor activities, including exhaust pipes on ATVs, trailer chains, and lawn equipment.
“We don’t issue burning restrictions lightly. And Minnesotans have a history of making a difference in preventing wildfire when they keep safety top of mind,” Warnke said.
The burning restrictions will remain in effect until further notice. However, the fire danger will likely remain high until significant precipitation is received.
Check current information at statewide fire danger and burning restrictions webpage.
For more information, visit the DNR wildland fire information webpage.
