Although the North Shore has had cold spring weather and plenty of endof season snowfall, the forest around us can dry out rapidly. The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has not imposed burning restrictions in Lake or Cook counties yet, however, residents and visitors are asked to consider conditions before doing any type of burning.
Winter is a good time to burn stockpiles of brush and woody debris; however, as the snow disappears property owners are advised to use extreme caution. Burning permits are required whenever there is less than 3 inches of continuous snow surrounding the burn area. And no permits are issued once the DNR puts burning restrictions in place.
Burning restrictions are put in place each spring to reduce the occurrence of wildfires, which can damage homes and other personal property. It is anticipated that the North Shore will go under restrictions before the end of April. Restrictions remain in effect until the threat of wildfires decreases.
“Until the growth of new grass appears, humidity begins to climb to summertime levels and we receive adequate precipitation, restrictions will remain in place,” said Ron Stoffel, DNR wildfire suppression supervisor. “This could take six weeks or more. Many small fires have already popped up due to the dead vegetation that is everywhere this time of year.”
Burning restrictions dramatically reduce the number of human-caused wildfires, which account for more than 98 percent of all wildfires requiring a DNR response. Lightning fires account for less than two percent and normally occur during drought conditions – usually during the summer and fall – when thunderstorms are more prevalent.
Campfires are still allowed if attended at all times and kept smaller than three feet in diameter and height. As always, visitors are encouraged to use a camp stove but if a campfire is preferred, please follow these simple guidelines: Keep it small and within the designated location; be sure the campfire is completely extinguished before you leave; pour water on the campfire and stir until it is cold to the touch. Please be responsible with all campfires!
If a fire does escape, individuals responsible for the fire will be charged with the cost of putting it out.
For more information on burn permits or restrictions, contact the DNR at (218) 387-3037 or the US Forest Service at (218) 387-1750.
Leave a Reply