Warm and Somewhat Dry Up Here

     We’re still in good shape at the end of the Gunflint Trail but temperatures are predicted to remain warm and there isn’t much precipitation in the forecast.  There is currently not a fire ban but campers are urged to use caution with fires and as usual, make sure they are dead out.  Fire danger is moderate to high right now but that can change quickly with rain or high temperatures. There are no fires burning in the Superior National Forest at this time, help us keep it that way!

 

DNR NEWS – FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                 AUGUST 29, 2012

Media contact: Jean Goad, Minnesota Interagency Fire Center information officer, 218-327-4558; jean.goad@state.mn.us

 

Minnesota wildfire danger elevated, fire

behavior intense, fire weather warning likely

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is cautioning citizens and visitors about the intensifying wildfire threat in Minnesota. Fire danger is extreme in far northwestern Minnesota and very high or high in much of northern Minnesota.

The areas impacted by high fire danger are likely to expand into much of central and southern Minnesota this week with hot, dry, windy weather forecasted. A Fire Weather Watch is in effect for southern Minnesota on Thursday, with the possibility of going to a Red Flag Warning.

Because of the current high fire danger, the DNR is expanding available support resources, including firefighting aircraft and heavy equipment.

The DNR Forestry Division is restricting burning permits in dry areas of the state this week.  Fire conditions change quickly. For more information and maps, and to check fire conditions, visit www.dnr.state.mn.us/forestry/fire/firerating_restrictions.html. 

After 13 months of drought in northwestern Minnesota, wildfire conditions are challenging, according to DNR officials. Fire managers have reported intense fire behavior, including willow brush torching with 30-foot flames and crown fires burning through the tops of aspen stands. Fires are spreading quickly through both green and cured grasses. Peat in ground deposits and organic soils are igniting quickly and burning deep into the ground, an indication of extremely dry conditions.

The Juneberry Road Fire that began Aug. 21 in northwestern Minnesota grew quickly to 700 acres despite strong suppression efforts.  It also ignited about 150 acres of peat.  Peat fires are difficult and expensive to control, requiring extensive and repeated efforts by firefighters, along with the use of large volumes of water and heavy equipment. Yet peat fires can’t be left burning due to the high current potential that they could start new surface wildfires.

As people head to the lakes and woods for Labor Day weekend, fire managers urge them to use caution by keeping campfires small – no more than three feet high by three feet across. People are advised to clear vegetation from around campfires, keep water available, attend the fire at all times, and make certain the fire is cold to the touch before leaving. Failure to fully extinguish campfires, a common cause of wildfires, can result in the responsible individuals paying for thousands of dollars in suppression costs.