Campfire restrictions have now lifted across the Superior National Forest and the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW).
The order went into effect at 12:01 p.m. on Monday, Aug. 24 to remove the Class III burning restrictions previously in place.
This means campfires may take place in remote locations, although permits are still required for burning vegetative debris such as grass, leaves and branches.
The easement of the restrictions arrives with oncoming cooler fall weather, which lowers wildfire risk.
Severe drought continues in Northeastern Minnesota, however, according to the DNR’s latest drought information.
The Forest Service cautions individuals against leaving their campfires unattended. Campfire users should drown the fire and ensure ashes are completely cold before leaving the site.
Since the beginning of July, wildfires have scorched 76,032 acres across northern St. Louis, Lake and Cook Counties. On Monday, 593 personnel were dispatched to the fires.
The Camp Fire is nearly contained at 97%. Suppression repair ensued Monday on the Great Fall Trail and along the Echo Trail. Crews working on the Camp Fire will be available to respond to any new fires as they continue hauling materials out from worksites on the Camp Fire.
The Forest Service stated this area remains a priority for return to its pre-fire state.
Progress has been made on the Sioux Fire, which is 76% contained and has been under active monitoring from unmanned aircraft systems for heat signatures along its perimeter.
The Sioux Fire had burned 6,833 acres as of Monday.
The Thumb Fire reached the Wolfpack Fire and officials now classify this complex as the Thumb Fire. Combined, they have burned 25,515 acres, with 500 of that total across the Canadian border. The Thumb Fire is 55% contained.
Fire personnel will continue to monitor the fire by air on a daily basis.
The Bear Trap Fire remains the largest of the fires, even after the merging of the Thumb and Wolfpack Fires. Bear Trap has burned 39,327 acres and is 55% contained. Mop up continues on this burn.
