Two illegal campfires were reported last week. Fortunately they were spotted by people nearby, reported and extinguished before spreading and causing a wildfire.
The first fire was found smoldering just off the Bally Creek Road in Grand Marais at 1:41 p m. on Monday, September 10. The caller said that the fire was in a small trailhead clearing about a mile past Bear Track Outfitting’s Bally Creek Cabins. The caller said there was garbage around the fire and wire in the fire.
The caller covered the fire with dirt and rocks but was concerned that if the wind picked up the fire would take off. A Cook County Sheriff Deputy responded, checked the campfire and determined that no fire personnel were needed at the scene.
A second fire was discovered by a hunter about ¼ mile in on U.S. Forest Service Road 115 off of County Road 6 in Grand Marais at 2:12 p m. on Saturday, September 15. The man lived nearby, so he called his wife to bring a few gallon jugs of water to extinguish the fire. He called Cook County Law Enforcement to have a conservation officer come check out the scene as it appeared that someone had burned garbage or a piece of furniture. In addition to the smoldering campfire, there were empty beer cans, whiskey bottles and Jolly Rancher wrappers.
As the hunter and his wife doused the hot spot, the flames kicked up and the fire grew slightly. A U.S. Forest Service engine responded and doused the fire. The Forest Service remained on scene to monitor the fire until 3:21 p.m. The fire is under investigation by the U.S. Forest Service.
For details regarding current conditions on the Superior National Forest, please check with one of the Forest offices or visit the Forest web site at: www fs.usda.gov/superior.
In Minnesota, the Department of Natural Resources administers fire restrictions for lands other than national forest system lands. For information regarding state restrictions and policy, check the Minnesota Interagency Fire Information Site: www.mnics.org
Fire officials add a few other reminders for campfires.
T Use only a designated fire ring.
T Don’t have a fire if it is too windy or if high winds are predicted.
T Clear flammable materials from the area up to five feet from the fire.
T Keep a bucket of water and a shovel nearby.
T Stack extra wood upwind and away from the fire.
T Make sure fire is completely out, cold to the touch, before leaving it unattended.
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