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Campfire supplied by VNP

Campfires allowed again in Koochiching County

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Campfires are being allowed again in certain areas of northern Minnesota.

The state’s Department of Natural Resources is lifting Class four restrictions in several counties, including Koochiching.

This allows for campfires and recreational fires on private land, resorts and staffed campgrounds.

The DNR says the area received recent rain from storms that passed through, but not enough to fully reduce the fire danger.

As a result, Class III restrictions will remain in place for Cook, Lake, and northern St. Louis counties on non Tribal lands.

This prohibits campfires for remote, backpacking, or backcountry camping and on state lands, including campgrounds, state day-use or recreational areas, or backpacking sites in state parks.

“DNR deeply appreciates the support from Minnesotans during this unprecedented wildfire event,” states Patty Thielen, DNR Forestry Division Director, in a release.

“Everyone’s efforts to follow wildfire-related restrictions and to stay safe are a huge help to the crews working to suppress the fires.”

A fire ban remains in place within the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness.

Campfire supplied by VNP

Campfire ban in place in parts of northern Minnesota

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Increased fire activity in northern Minnesota has prompted a ban on open fires at Voyageurs National.

Only gas- or propane-fueled camp stoves, grills, or similar devices are permitted until further notice.

Officials say the restrictions aim to reduce the potential of new human-caused wildfires breaking out.

Campfires are also banned in the Boundary Waters Canoe Wilderness Area.

The presence of several active wildland fires in northern Minnesota, combined with extremely hot and dry weather, has prompted the bans.

The National Weather Service has issued a Red Flag Warning for 13 counties, including Koochiching County.

A Red Flag Warning means fires can spread quickly and grow out of control under the predicted weather conditions.

It is also a warning to residents against burning.

The DNR is not issuing or activating previously issued burning permits.

“Any spark could become a wildfire under Red Flag Warning conditions, and embers can be carried for over a mile in high winds like this,” states Karen Harrison, DNR wildfire prevention specialist.

“People should use extreme caution until conditions improve.”