Photo: USFS

By Laura Durenberger-Grunow - Boreal Community Media - December 1, 2025

The U.S. Forest Service (USFS) has announced an updated schedule for its prescribed pile burning operations in the Superior National Forest, carried out by fire staff from the Gunflint and Tofte Ranger Stations. The USFS shared that the goal of these burns is to reduce vegetation debris piles. 

Last week, it was announced that burns expected to take place between November 24 and December 5 are still planned around Hungry Jack Lake, Menogyn, and Squint Lake. The most recent update, released December 1 by USFS, states that fire staff may begin burning additional piles between December 2 and December 5, 2025, in the area between Flour Lake and Clearwater Road, dependent on environmental and weather conditions.

All prescribed burns are contingent upon meeting specific weather and environmental requirements. Fire staff must strike a careful balance, requiring cooler, damper conditions to ensure fire spread, or "creep," is minimal, while the debris piles themselves must be dry enough for full consumption. The USFS consults daily with the National Weather Service in Duluth to ensure all conditions align with the burn plan.

The public should be aware that significant smoke impacts of short duration are expected in the vicinity of the burn areas during the ignition period. Following the initial lighting, residual light smoke, smoldering, and slow-moving surface fire spread are anticipated for a few days. Firefighters and wildland engines will be present on-site during ignition and will patrol the burn areas whenever fire spread is possible.

Signage will be posted along all adjacent roadways and at entry points to alert visitors accessing the area by ATV or foot. While continuous firefighter presence may not be visible, the public should know that patrols are being conducted to monitor the fire, which is generally allowed to burn within the designated project boundary if there is no threat to surrounding areas.

If fire or smoke is encountered in an unexpected area, the public is urged to contact the Forest Service immediately at the Gunflint Office at 218-387-1750 or the Tofte Office at 218-663-8060.