Increased Fire Restrictions

N  E  W  S      R  E  L  E  A  S  E

USDA Forest Service
Minnesota

Contacts:           
Mary Nordeen,  Chippewa National Forest   218-335-8600
Kristina Reichenbach,  Superior National Forest   218-626-4393

Date:  April 21, 2010
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

FIRE RESTRICTIONS INCREASE APRIL 23 ON
CHIPPEWA and SUPERIOR NATIONAL FORESTS

Continued lack of rain, warm temperatures, and wind is creating very high fire danger across northern  Minnesota.  To reduce the potential for human-caused  wildfires, the Forest Service has increased fire restrictions that will begin on April 23, 2010.  The following activities will be prohibited on all national forest lands within the Superior and Chippewa National Forests:

        Building, maintaining, attending or using a fire, campfire or wood/charcoal burning stove anywhere within the boundaries of the Chippewa or Superior National Forest.  These restrictions include the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness.  Gas and propane camp stoves may be used in any area within the two National Forests.   

        Possessing, discharging, or using any kind of firework or pyrotechnic device. 

        Operating welding, or an acetylene or other torch with open flame. 

        Violating any state law specified in the order concerning burning, fires, or which is for the purpose of preventing, or restricting the spread of fires.

Restrictions on the two national forests will remain in place until further notice.  These restrictions are concurrent with restrictions by the State and local government across northern Minnesota.

The majority of recent wildfires in northern Minnesota have been human-caused.   It is critical that visitors  and residents help fire managers to reduce the potential for wildfire starts by complying with these restrictions.  

For additional information, please contact the Chippewa National Forest at 218-335-8600 or Superior National Forest at 218-626-4300.