Forest Service plans to implement Bandit prescribed fire near Tofte on June 2

With suitable weather conditions in the forecast, the Superior National Forest anticipates implementing a prescribed burn northwest of Tofte on Sunday, June 2.

The Bandit prescribed burn unit is located approximately 15 miles northwest of Tofte, along Forest Road 1287 or the Two Moose Trail.

Over the past several weeks, the Superior National Forest has implemented prescribed fire units, as conditions have allowed, to reduce hazardous fuels, reintroduce fire into the boreal forest, and decrease spread and intensity levels if a wildfire occurs on the landscape. On several occasions, prescribed burning has a narrow window of opportunity when the vegetation conditions, temperature, relative humidity, and wind speed are within specific prescriptions or parameters.

According to the National Weather Service, Sunday’s forecast calls for a window of opportunity for Forest Service officials, with mostly sunny conditions, low winds, and temperatures in the mid-60s.

Superior National Forest officials said the prescribed burn units at Bandit were previously treated with timber harvest. Now, the following treatment for the units is prescribed fire to consume post-harvest slash, duff, and brush. The Bandit burn will help create moose habitat by promoting new growth for browsing, natural regeneration, and planting.

The prescribed fire of approximately 200 acres will not close or impact nearby recreation sites, roads, or trails. If smoke impacts visibility for motorists along the Two Moose Trail and Lake County 7, smoke warning signs will be placed along the roadway, officials said. A public information officer is scheduled to distribute information on Saturday, June 1, to residents in the Wilson Lake area.
During active burning, smoke and flames may be visible from areas near the unit. Smoke may settle in low areas in the evening hours. If individuals are near the prescribed fire unit following burning, please be aware of hazardous conditions like dead, burnt standing trees that could fall at any time.

Kalli Hawkins June 1, 2024