Campfire restrictions have now been lifted across the Superior National Forest and the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW).
The order went into effect 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 ban arrives with oncoming cooler fall weather, which is accompanied by a lower risk of wildfires.
Severe drought continues in Northeastern Minnesota, according to the DNR’s latest drought information.
Wildfire risk remains and 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 approximately 70,000 acres across northern St. Louis, Lake and Cook Counties. On Thursday, Aug. 27, 459 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 on the Camp Fire anticipated a completion date of Wednesday, Aug. 26 for the suppression work. They are prepared to respond to new fires.
The Forest Service stated the Camp Fire area remains a priority for return to pre-fire conditions.
Progress has been made on the Sioux Fire, which is 79% contained and was under active monitoring earlier this week from unmanned aircraft systems for heat signatures along its perimeter.
The Sioux Fire had burned 6,833 acres as of Thursday and continues smoldering, with minimal fire activity.
The Thumb Fire reached the Wolfpack Fire and officials now classify this complex as the Thumb Fire. Combined, they have burned 25,015 acres.
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 30,804 acres and is 67% contained, up from 55% on Monday. Mop up on this fire continued earlier in the week.
