With little moisture, high winds, and above-average temps. The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources has enhanced burning restrictions in place. Backyard and campfires are not recommended at this time, because of the very dry conditions this fall season.

As of Friday, October 4, the Minnesota DNR reports that the whole state is either under High or Very High fire danger. Northern St. Louis and Lake Counties, including the Boundary Waters Canoe area are in the Very High conditions. This includes portions of Koochiching and Itasca Counties.

Because of these conditions, the DNR has put burning restrictions into place. No open burning of any kind is allowed in Lake and Cook Counties. Due to continued dry conditions and worsening wildfire danger conditions, the Superior National Forest has issued an Emergency Forest Order.

Effective October 1, 2024 there are restrictions on igniting, building, maintaining, attending, or using a fire or campfire. This includes charcoal grills and barbeques, coal, and woodburning stoves. These measures help reduce the likelihood of a wildfire within the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness.

Communities in Lake and Cook County affected by the restrictions cannot ask for burning permits for brush or yard waste. No fires are allowed for dispersed, remote, backpacking, or backcountry camping. 

The burning restrictions will remain in effect until terminated by the DNR Commissioner. This won’t happen until weather and environmental conditions indicate a reduction in fire danger.

Mike Warnke, the Wildfire Administrative Supervisor with the Minnesota DNR, says lighting backyard fires is not recommended.

“We’re at the point with conditions where really anything can start a fire right now,” Warnke said. “Especially looking forward here into the weekend, and over the next, eight to ten days. It doesn’t look like things get any better anytime soon.”

Fire danger isn’t as high in Wisconsin. According to the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, Northwest Wisconsin including Douglas, Bayfield, Burnett, Washburn, Sawyer, Polk and Barron Counties are listed as High Fire Danger.

Catherine Koele, a wildfire prevention specialist with the Wisconsin DNR, says there have been a few fires already. Most are relatively small, and a couple are related to power lines. Koele says fire danger changes daily this time of year and warned against people burning yard waste and brush.

“Burning anything as a method of debris disposal, it should be the last alternative. There are a lot of ways to get rid of debris today.” Koele said. “So you know, haul it to a transfer site, leave it in the woods for wildlife to enjoy. If you feel like that’s your only alternative is to burn those materials, wait until we get some snow cover.”

Over 90% of wildfires are caused by humans during very dry conditions. One unintentional spark in these conditions could result in thousands of charred acres and property damage, according to the Minnesota DNR.

Tom Hall, the Forest Supervisor with the Superior National Forest says for people not under the Enhanced burning restriction, they need a permit for a fire. These are issued by the state DNR, from the counties, and so work through that normal process.

“If we get moisture then that will be sort of that first indication we would come out of fire restrictions. But as long as it is dry, even if we get cooler, there’s still that risk of those high conditions,” Hall said. “Especially if we get wind events like we’re looking this weekend. They’re supposed to be dry and windy. So if any fire starts it’s that much higher potential for that to grow into a large fire.”

Last month was among the warmest and driest Septembers on record for Minnesota. With little precipitation and above-average temperatures in the extended forecast, fire danger is likely to remain high until the state receives significant precipitation.