Fire restrictions remain in place, conditions will be re-evaluated next week

Fire restrictions remain in place despite the recent precipitation across the Arrowhead region and the Superior National Forest. 

“The plan is to hold them in place for the remainder of this week and through the weekend,” said Aaron Mielke, a wildland firefighter and forester with the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) based in Grand Marais.

Given the continued dry conditions across northeastern Minnesota and the Superior National Forest, increased burning restrictions were enacted on Oct. 4 for Cook and Lake Counties. Under the additional restrictions, campfires were banned within the Superior National Forest, including the use of charcoal grills and barbeques, coal, and woodburning stoves. No fireworks may be ignited on any public or private land outside of city limits.

“Although we received some good rain over the weekend, it did little to reduce the elevated longer-term fire danger indices,” said Mielke. Given that other areas of Minnesota received minimal rain, ongoing dry conditions, and continued high demand for fire resources nationwide, Mielke said, “These conditions all factored into holding the restrictions in place for the time being.”

Forest Service officials told WTIP on Oct. 16 that there are no changes to fire restrictions and campfire bans within the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness and entire Superior National Forest remain in place. Campfires remain banned at this time. 

According to the National Weather Service, more precipitation is expected this weekend and early next week. Mielke said the DNR will re-evaluate fire restrictions and conditions next week.

Kalli Hawkins October 16, 2024