Burning restrictions to go into effect in Voyageurs National Park

With increasing fire danger happening across the region, Voyageurs National Park announced Wednesday it is banning all campfires within the park in northern Minnesota. Dry conditions and high winds continue to fuel the fire danger in the area. The restrictions go into effect immediately.

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) expanded their burning restrictions on Friday, October 11. The DNR issued Class III burning restrictions for northern St. Louis and Koochiching Counties. According to officials, although Class III restrictions do allow recreational fires at established campgrounds within designated receptacles, Voyageur’s campsites do not fall under this category.

Park officials say “all campsites in Voyageurs National Park are considered dispersed campsites and pose a greater challenge for timely emergency response than do roadside campgrounds.”

“We ask for everyone’s understanding and cooperation during this critical dry period,” Park Superintendent Bob DeGross said in a statement. “We will remove these restrictions as soon as conditions within the park are favorable.”

Restrictions within Voyageurs National Park:

Not Allowed:

• Recreational fires (campfires)
• Charcoal fueled fires or grills

Allowed:

• Gas and propane fired camp stoves, grills, or similar devices

Fire danger remains high to very high throughout the area. Park staff will continue to monitor local fire danger. Additional restrictions may be necessary if fire danger continues to increase.

For updated Fire Danger and Burning Restrictions visit https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/forestry/fire/firerating_restrictions.html and the National Park Service at https://www.nps.gov/index.htm