The Superior National Forest (NF) will resume prescribed fire operations with select pile burning across the five different ranger districts beginning in November 2024 and throughout the winter as conditions permit. Pile burns are a type of prescribed fire where trained personnel pile and burn forest debris to reduce an area’s wildfire risk.

There are approximately 1,400 acres of unburned piles across the Superior NF. Out of the total planned acres, around 800 acres of piles are located on the Kawishiwi, LaCroix and Laurentian Ranger Districts, while the Tofte and Gunflint Ranger Districts have around 600 acres identified for planned pile burns.

The piles for burning have been assembled by either mechanical or hand treatment vegetation management methods. The units for pile burning on the Superior NF include brush disposal sites, timber sale areas, recreation areas, or in areas of high hazardous fuels risk.

The Superior NF also uses fuel treatments and prescribed fire to encourage new growth of native plants and improve wildlife habitat. For example, critical moose habitat depends on forest openings with new young growth available as forage. The Superior NF will remain flexible to local conditions and concerns in determining pile burning schedules and frequency throughout the fall and winter.

“Superior NF staff will be burning piles in efforts to reduce hazardous fuels to help mitigate for wildfires in the National Forest, especially around higher values at risk such as cabins and homes. Pile burning can be the last step in fuels reduction, but often fire management will assess the area and complete an under burn if needed. These units were previously treated by mechanical or hand work to cut the vegetative fuels by personnel or contractors”–Nick Petrack, Chippewa and Superior NF Fire Manager. Implementation of this work supports the Superior NF’s commitment to addressing the Wildfire Crisis Strategy, which aims to reduce severity of wildfires, protect communities, and improve the health and resiliency of fire-dependent forests.

Smoke may impact private structures and roads near the burning operations as piles smolder and burn down. Personnel will be present during fire operations to monitor smoke and provide traffic control. Firefighters will monitor piles until they are declared out. Signs will be posted on roadways near burning. Please do not report ignitions. Visit When Smoke is in the Air for more smoke preparedness resources.

Benefits of Pile Burning

Fuel Reduction: One of the primary benefits of pile burning is the reduction of fuel sources that contribute to the rapid spread of wildfires. Piles are made from the debris left after activities that involve thinning or cutting of trees in the forest, such as timber harvests, timber stand improvement cuts or wildlife habitat improvement that can act as tinder for wildfires.

Community Protection: Pile burning creates buffer zones around residential areas by eliminating potential fuel sources, effectively acting as a barrier against the encroachment of wildfires. This helps safeguard homes, infrastructure, and the safety of residents.

Ecosystem Health: Prescribed fires mimic natural processes, playing a vital role in maintaining ecosystem health. In the Upper Peninsula where certain plant species depend on periodic fires for regeneration, pile burning becomes a tool for preserving biodiversity and ecological balance.

Enhanced Forest Resilience: By selectively thinning forests and removing excess vegetation through pile burning increases resiliency of the ecosystem. This adaptive approach helps forests withstand the impacts of climate change, pests, and disease.

Air Quality Improvement: Though it may seem counterintuitive, prescribed fires actually contribute to improved air quality overall. By strategically burning piles under optimal conditions, land managers can minimize the production of harmful smoke and particulate matter, ensuring that air quality remains within acceptable levels.

Cost-Effective Solution: In comparison to the astronomical costs associated with suppressing large wildfires, pile burning is a cost-effective strategy. Investing in preventative measures such as prescribed fire can save resources and funds in the long term.

A before-during-and after pile burning for hazardous fuels reduction at the Laurentian Divide Recreation Area. USDA Forest Service image

For more information on the Superior NF Fire Program, wildfire prevention, and other information and resources, see: https://www.fs.usda.gov/main/superior/fire

For information on “Learn and Burns” for landowners for hands-on experience in burning brush led by The Nature Conservancy, see the Minnesota Fire Adapted Communities webpage:  https://minnesotafac.org/blogdetail.php?id=67166843a28ca