REGIONAL— Increasingly tinder dry conditions across the region have prompted the Department of Natural Resources to institute burning restrictions across the Arrowhead, including St. Louis, Lake, Cook, and Carlton counties.
The restrictions mean that burning permits for brush or yard waste will no longer be issued, and no fireworks may be ignited on any public or private land outside city limits. In addition, campfires will be allowed only in an established fire ring associated with a home, campground or resort. No campfires will be allowed in any backcountry campsites.
Meanwhile, the U.S. Forest Service has issued an emergency forest order prohibiting campfires, including charcoal grills as well as the use of woodburning stoves on the Superior National Forest, including the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness.
The burning restrictions will remain in effect until terminated by either state or federal officials when weather and environmental conditions indicate a reduction in fire danger.
Fire danger is currently rated as very high in northern St. Louis and all of Lake and Cook counties. The DNR notes that even though the woods currently look green, the fire danger remains dangerous in northeastern Minnesota and is likely to remain so through the end of June. Continued dry and unseasonably hot weather is forecast for at least the next two weeks.