3 October 2024
TWO HARBORS — Burning restrictions will begin Friday in Lake and Cook counties, thanks to dry and warm conditions.
The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources said restrictions apply to each county’s non-tribal lands.
The restrictions include:
No campfires on dispersed, remote, backpacking or backcountry sites.
No burning of brush or yard waste. Permits will not be issued or activated.
No fireworks can be ignited outside city limits.
Campfires are allowed only in established fire rings at a home, cabin, permanent campground or resort, the DNR said.
This comes after one of the hottest and driest Septembers on record, the DNR said. Above-average temperatures and little rain are expected to continue.
“The risk of fire is increased with these unusually dry conditions,” said Mike Warnke, wildfire administration supervisor. “One unintentional spark could result in thousands of charred acres and property damage.”
Earlier this week, the Superior National Forest announced it restricted the use of campfires, including charcoal grills and barbecues as well as coal and woodburning stoves throughout the national forest, which includes the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness.
The National Weather Service in Duluth on Thursday said the next chance for rain or thunderstorms is Saturday and Saturday night, but accumulations are not expected to be substantial.
“An overall lack of rainfall chances over the next week or so combined with persistent dry conditions means that any dry and breezy days could lead to elevated fire weather conditions,” the Weather Service said.
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