REGIONAL— Campfires and other forms of open burning are now prohibited across much of the North Country due to the extremely dry conditions and a rash of new fires sparked by recent thunderstorms.
Both the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources and the U.S. Forest Service have announced emergency orders restricting or prohibiting open burning in some or all instances.
Within the Superior National Forest, all open burning, including the use of campfires and charcoal grills are now prohibited until conditions change. Within the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, all entry is currently prohibited due to explosive fire activity.
Outside of federal or tribal jurisdiction, the DNR is restricting the use of campfires for dispersed or backcountry campsites, even those with designated fire rings, for all areas within Lake, Cook, and northern St. Louis counties. On state lands, this means campfires are not allowed in state forests, state day-use or recreational areas, or backpacking sites in state parks in the affected area. The DNR order also specifies no use of fireworks on any public or private land outside the limits of a city. In addition, no burning of brush or yard waste is allowed.
Outside of the Superior National Forest, campfires will continue to be permitted in established fire rings associated with a state park, home, cabin, permanent campground, or resort.
Both state and federal fire orders went into effect on Sunday and are likely to remain in effect for some time.
The potential for wildfire is currently extreme across all ownerships in northeastern Minnesota,
While the DNR and wildfire agencies are ready to respond, the responsibility for preventing wildfires largely falls to people. “We don’t issue burning restrictions lightly. And Minnesotans have a history of making a difference in preventing wildfires when they keep safety top of mind,” said Karen Harrison, a wildfire specialist with the DNR.
It is extremely important that people are careful with any sources of ignition such as smoking devices, dragging chains, chain saws, and recreational vehicles.