In light of continued unseasonably warm, dry conditions the Forest Service is restricting campfires in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW). Despite the on-again, offagain rain that was falling at press time, there are still concerns about potential wildfires.
As of Sept. 12, until further notice, campfires will only be allowed between 6 p.m. and midnight at designated campsites within fire grates in the BWCAW. Use of gas and propane stoves is permitted any time. This restriction includes the entire BWCAW.
Also, as a safety precaution, the Forest Service has a large area surrounding the Pagami Creek Fire.
All visitors to the Superior National Forest and surrounding area are urged to take care with the use of fire where permitted. Be sure that campfires are doused thoroughly until cold to the touch.
The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources has also issued some restrictions, because fire danger in most of the state is high to very high.
The DNR has placed temporary burning restrictions in much of the northern half of the state. Extreme fire conditions mean the fire situation is explosive and can result in extensive property damage. Fires start quickly, spread furiously and burn intensely. Very high fire danger means fires start very easily and intensify quickly. High fire danger conditions mean fires start easily and spread at a fast rate.
Recent weather forecasts show warm conditions with low relative humidity and moderate winds throughout most of the state, which could intensify fire danger. A cold front is expected to move in, lowering temperatures, but winds are likely to increase, keeping fire danger high. The front is not likely to include substantial rain.
The temporary burning restrictions mean the state will not give out burning permits for burning brush or yard waste until conditions improve. Cook and Lake are among the counties affected in the burning restrictions.
DNR fire managers urge people to use extreme caution when recreating in forest and prairie lands. Fire conditions may change quickly over the next few days. For more information and maps, and to check fire conditions, visit www.dnr.state.mn.us/forestry/fire/firerating_restrictions.html.
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