Continued lack of rain, warm temperatures, and wind are creating very high fire danger across northern Minnesota. To reduce the potential for human-caused wildfires, the Forest Service and Department of Natural Resources have increased fire restrictions that will begin on April 23, 2010.
The following activities will
be prohibited on all DNR and
national forest lands, which
includes the Superior and
Chippewa National Forests,
and state parks in 37 counties
including Cook and Lake:
Building, maintaining, attending or using a fire, campfire or wood/ charcoal-burning stove anywhere within the boundaries of the Chippewa or Superior National Forests. These restrictions include the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. Gas and propane camp stoves may be used in any area within the two National Forests.
Possessing, discharging, or using any kind of firework or pyrotechnic device.
Operating welding, or an acetylene or other torch with open flame.
Violating any state law specified in the order concerning burning, fires, or which is for the purpose of preventing, or restricting the spread of fires.
The DNR will allow campfires, however the burning period has been restricted to 6 p.m. to 8
m. Fires must be in designated fire receptacles, and there must be an adequate source of water immediately available for extinguishing the campfire.
The majority of recent wildfires in northern Minnesota have been human-caused. It is critical that visitors and residents help fire managers reduce the potential for wildfire starts by complying with these restrictions.
Meanwhile, firefighters across the state continue to battle wildfires that are increasing in frequency and intensity. Above-normal temperatures, below-normal humidity and extremely dry fuel have created conditions that enable fires to start easily and grow quickly.
The Minnesota Interagency Fire Center in Grand Rapids is adding resources this week as conditions continue to deteriorate. A 20-person crew from Michigan arrived last Friday to help on the Highway 11 fire and they will remain in Minnesota to assist where needed. The Medewin Hot Shots, a 20-person crew from Illinois, arrived late Sunday and is working on the Pike fire near Eveleth. A strike team of wildland engines that includes five vehicles is on the way from South Dakota.
To support firefighters from the air, a P2V air tanker will arrive this week from Nevada. This, in addition to the P3 tanker currently in Hibbing, will give fire personnel two retardant dropping aircraft capable of carrying a 2,500 – 3,000 gallon payload. There are presently three Cl-215 water scooping aircraft in the state — two owned by the Minnesota DNR and one contracted by the Bureau of Indian Affairs. These yellow twin engine planes have a payload of 1,400 gallons. One Fire Boss, a single-engine water scooper, is presently under contract and working in northern Minnesota and a second one will be added this week.
Additionally, there are 13 helicopters stationed around the state for initial attack of wildfires, including two National Guard Blackhawks authorized by Gov. Tim Pawlenty. Three more will be added and positioned to increase coverage and provide support for the areas of far northern Minnesota and the Arrowhead.
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