Drought expands as fire danger remains very high in NE Minnesota
Oct 10, 2024 11:55AM ● By Content Editor
By Laura Durenberger-Grunow - Boreal Community Media - October 10, 2024
Earlier today, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources released its weekly Drought Conditions Overview, which displays the state's current conditions. In the last week, drought conditions in NE Minnesota have increased from moderate to severe, with little precipitation received.
Image: US Drought Monitor
The fire danger remains very high for Cook and Lake Counties, with burn restrictions still in place. The Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW), Superior National Forest (SNF), Grand Portage Band of Lake Superior Chippewa, and other private entities have banned campfires of any kind. The MN DNR is not issuing any permits until further notice.
The dry conditions have led to several wildfires in the past few weeks. Most recently, the Shell Lake Fire, located 26 miles NW of Ely, which is .5 acres in size and burning on heavy timber. SNF Supervisor Tom Hall issued an Emergency Forest Order, which prohibits entry on the Sioux-Hustler Trail loop (Sioux-Hustler Trail from entry point to Devil’s Cascade still open), Agawato Lake with one campsite on the lake, and two campsites on the eastern side of Shell Lake. The cause of the fire is suspected to be human-related, but an officially investigation has not been completed.
On October 8, a fire was detected near Bogus Lake, approximately 13 miles NE of Grand Marais. When initially detected, the fire was 10 acres in size. By October 9, it had grown to 45 acres. As of 11:30 am this morning, the fire is now at 53 acres and burning on brush and hardwood litter. Boreal Community Media has contacted the MN DNR and USFS for an update and will continue to share information as soon as it's released. Click here for the most recent update on the Bogus Lake Fire.
