Fire Restrictions Update 8/31/07

[Surface Tension]

News Releases

Additional Changes in Fire Restrictions are Announced (2007-08-30)

The recent rainfall has somewhat lessened, but not eliminated, the potential threat of wildfires in Northeastern Minnesota. Cook, Lake and St. Louis counties have been under the most severe open burning restrictions in the state. As of 8 a.m. on Friday, Aug. 31, these restrictions will be slightly eased to allow the use of charcoal grills. Charcoal grill use will be allowed in Cook, Lake and St. Louis counties within 100 feet of a permanent residence or cabin. Additionally, in southern St. Louis County, campfires and charcoal fires will be allowed in patrolled campgrounds or resorts, the same as they are presently allowed in campgrounds along the Lake Superior shore.

In restrictions issued previously, campfires and charcoal fires were limited to the hours of 6 p.m. to midnight at patrolled campgrounds and resorts within one mile of Lake Superior. The eased restrictions now allow campfires in patrolled campgrounds and resorts in that part of St. Louis County south of a line defined as: from the west county line, east on State Highway 1 to U.S. Highway 53, then south to County Highway 16, and east on County Highway 16 to the St. Louis County line.

The U.S. Forest Service will continue to prohibit charcoal grills, campfires, or charcoal fires in national forest campgrounds throughout the Superior National Forest.

“The recent rainfall has allowed us ease restrictions on charcoal grills and campfires in these areas,” said Larry Himanga, Minnesota DNR wildfire prevention specialist.

“We ask that members of the public living and recreating in these counties exercise extreme caution if they choose to use their charcoal grill, Himanga said. “Make sure all coals are dead out, and utilize a metal or fireproof container for ash disposal. Also, have a ready source of water nearby to douse coals after use. Never dispose of charcoal ashes in any type of vegetation.”

General restrictions remain in effect for the following counties: Aitkin, Beltrami, Carlton, Cass, Crow Wing, Hubbard, Itasca, Kanabec, Koochiching, Lake of the Woods, Mille Lacs, Morrison, Pine, Todd and Wadena. In these counties there is to be no open burning, including the use of burning barrels. However recreational fires or campfires are allowed in a designated fire receptacle designed for such use provided it is associated with a residence, dwelling, campground or resort.

"Rainfall has temporarily eased the fire hazard in these counties," cautioned Fire Suppression Supervisor Ron Stoffel. "If periodic rainfall is not received restrictions could be reinstated."

"Although significant rainfall fell across most of northern Minnesota, higher fire danger is expected to resume by the weekend. Many areas are at half of their normal rainfall. More than one shower will be needed to reverse the extended drought conditions," said Himanga.

Labor Day weekend travelers are asked to be mindful of fire restrictions in northern Minnesota and to take care using any fire outdoors including smoking. Additional fire information can be found at www.dnr.state.mn.us/forestry/fire and www.fs.fed.us/r9/forests/superior.

[ditchpickle6996]

Thanks a lot for the update. The menu may change!

[ITSATHRILL]

We sure were surpirsed to come up a week ago and find out that we couldn't grill even at the resort we stayed at right by town. Those Ribeyes we braught up just didn't have the same meaning cooked in the cabin with a skillet.

[MOBY RICHARD*]

Gas fired grills/stoves still ok??? (no coals)

[Surface Tension]

Yes, propane grills and stoves are usually alway OK during a fire ban.