REGIONAL— The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources and Superior National Forest have eased fire restrictions that have been in place since a string of major fires broke out in July.
Officials say recent rain has reduced the chances that campfires or open burning will lead to wildfires.
The eased restrictions mean that campfires are now allowed on state and federal lands, including within the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. The lifting of burning restrictions does not affect other existing fire-related closures.
A permit is still required for burning vegetation such as grass, leaves, logs, or branches.
While these changes reflect reduced wildfire risk in these counties, fall is traditionally a dry time in Minnesota and drought conditions persist in northeastern Minnesota and other parts of the state.
“While conditions have improved, we’re not done with fire danger this year, as fall is just around the corner,” said Karen Harrison, DNR wildfire prevention specialist. “It’s important for people to continue following wildfire prevention tips, such as proper campfire safety and using caution when doing outdoor activities that create heat or sparks.”
Minnesotans are encouraged to stay alert and keep current with the statewide fire conditions and burning restrictions, and make sure they have a burning permit and activate it before doing any vegetative debris burning.
Voyageurs National Park also lifted its fire restrictions on Monday.