Burning restrictions expand to Koochiching and the northern portion of St. Louis counties

Fire danger has increased in northeastern Minnesota. To help ensure public safety and protect natural resources, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources is activating burning restrictions beginning 12:01 a.m. on Friday, Oct. 11 for Koochiching County and the northern portion of St. Louis County (see map below). Burning restrictions remain in effect for Cook and Lake counties.

These restrictions apply to non-Tribal, state lands in the affected area:

• No campfires are allowed for dispersed, remote, backpacking, or backcountry camping on all lands.
• Campfires are allowed only in an established fire ring associated with a home, cabin, permanent campground, or resort.
• No burning of brush or yard waste. Burning permits will not be issued or activated.
• No fireworks may be ignited on any public or private land outside city limits.

The burning restrictions will remain in effect until terminated by the DNR commissioner when weather and environmental conditions indicate a significant reduction in fire danger.

These restrictions correspond with burning restrictions in the Tribal nations of Bois Forte Band of Chippewa and Grand Portage Band of Lake Superior Chippewa. In addition, the U.S. Forest Service has restricted all campfires in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness and Superior National Forest in Cook, Lake, Koochiching, and the northern half of St. Louis County.

 “Fall is a great time to enjoy the outdoors, but we need the public’s help to keep things safe,” said Karen Harrison, wildfire prevention specialist. “Wildfire risk increases with sustained warm and dry conditions and once they start, wildfires can spread quickly and pose a major risk to life, property, and resources.”

The DNR will continue to monitor conditions and adjust county-specific burning restrictions as necessary. The health and safety of people and firefighters is paramount. If you do spot a wildfire, call 911 from a safe location.

For current fire danger and burning restrictions, visit the statewide fire danger and burning restrictions page on the DNR website (mndnr.gov/burnrestrictions).

A map showing elevated burning restrictions in four counties in Minnesota: Cook, Koochiching, Lake, and the northern portion of St. Louis counties.

Media can access the map showing the latest burning restrictions in the  DNR's media library. 

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