Continued dry conditions lead to increased fire restrictions and campfire bans in Cook and Lake Counties
Updated 9 p.m. October 4
Given the continued dry conditions across northeastern Minnesota and the Superior National Forest, increased burning restrictions take effect in Cook and Lake counties, beginning at 12:01 a.m. Friday, Oct. 4.
Under these additional restrictions, campfires are banned within the Superior National Forest, including the use of charcoal grills and barbeques, coal, and woodburning stoves, U.S. Forest Service officials said. Furthermore, no fireworks may be ignited on any public or private land outside of city limits.
“The risk of fire is increased with these unusually dry conditions,” said Mike Warnke, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) wildfire administration supervisor. “One unintentional spark could result in thousands of charred acres and property damage.”
With little precipitation and above-average temperatures in the extended forecast, fire danger is likely to remain high until northern Minnesota receives significant precipitation. Forest Service and DNR officials said the burning restrictions will remain in effect until a significant amount of precipitation is received. The Forest Service and DNR will assess fire danger in the coming days and weeks and adjust restrictions following a significant amount of precipitation.
“We don’t issue burning restrictions lightly,” Warnke said. “And Minnesotans have a history of making a difference in preventing wildfire when they keep safety top of mind.”
St. Louis county outside of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW) has received recent precipitation and is not included in this order.
“We have coordinated this with the Minnesota DNR to avoid confusion across the BWCAW, Cook and Lake Counties. We want the recreating public to be safe as they enjoy the Forest,” said Tom Hall, Superior National Forest Supervisor.
In recent weeks, several small fires, mostly started due to unattended campfires, have occurred within the Superior National Forest. On Sept. 22, firefighters and the Forest Service responded to a fire at Daniels Lake. A small fire from a campfire was reported at Horseshoe Island on Saganaga Lake up the Gunflint Trail. Then, another small fire at a campsite on Seagull Lake was reported on Sept. 30. On Oct. 1, a grass fire was ignited at Lutsen Mountains.
Due to the recent incidents and ongoing dry conditions the Minnesota DNR issued burn permit restrictions at the end of September, and for the Forest Service to ban campfires in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness beginning Oct. 1.
For current fire danger and burning restrictions, visit the statewide fire danger and burning restrictions page on the DNR website.