While there are still burning restrictions in place for St. Louis and Carlton Counties in Minnesota, the Department of Natural Resources has placed additional restrictions in Cook and Lake Counties.

Currently in both St. Louis County and Carlton County, our burning restrictions include:

  • No campfires are allowed for dispersed, remote, or backcountry camping on all lands.
  • No campfires – with or without a ring – are allowed on any DNR-managed lands. This applies to all campsites, cabins, picnic and other day-use areas. Camp stoves are permitted.
  • On non-DNR-managed lands, campfires may be allowed in established fire rings associated with a home, cabin, campground, or resort. Check with the site manager for possible additional restrictions.
  • No fireworks may be ignited on any public or private land outside city limits. Check with your local community for any additional restrictions.
  • The state will not issue burning permits for brush or yard waste.
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While the above restrictions were in place for Cook and Lake Counties, the DNR added restrictions to Cook and Lake Counties in order to "ensure public safety and protect natural resources."

The additional restrictions mean that all campfires and recreational fires are banned and the use of welding devices and other torches is prohibited when in proximity to combustible vegetation (unless special permission is granted).

Therefore, the campfire and recreational fire ban in Cook and Lake counties now includes all public and private land. Also, only gas and or propane camp stoves are allowed at campsites and the backcountry. Those at occupied homes, cabins and resorts are allowed to use gas and charcoal grills, however the charcoal and gas fires must be in devices designed for grilling.

As we enter the weekend of August 13, the fire danger around the region likely to increase due to dry weather and breezy conditions. Therefore, whether you're sticking close to home or traveling around the state, it's always a great idea to check the statewide fire danger and restriction page to make sure you're aware of the current conditions.

The DNR notes that their restrictions do not apply to tribal lands, however the Grand Portage Band of Lake Superior Chippewa has also restricted burning on its lands.

Another great tool the Minnesota DNR recently made available to everyone is the weekly Drought Update e-mail. With the drastic weather 2021 has brought to us, it's a great way to keep track of any drought-related actions and responses across the state.

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