Officials Urging Public to Keep Away from Fire Areas in Northern Minnesota

(KNSI) – At least a dozen homes and 57 outbuildings have been destroyed in the wake of the fast-moving fires in northern Minnesota, and hikers, canoers, campers, and kayakers may want to sneak in a trip up north to soak in the last drops of summer, but officials are begging the public to please stay away.

Not only because of fast-moving wildfires but because of the reported “tinderbox conditions,” making it possible that more wildfires could spark and spread quickly from lightning, a campfire, or a charcoal grill.

Leanne Langeberg of the Minnesota Interagency Fire Center says wildfires are fairly common in the broader region – however, they usually don’t become massive. It has been an active season with the drought, and she’s asking everyone to do their part.

“The top priority for everyone is that firefighter and public safety. And so, when we’re talking about fire prevention, it’s being in tune with, ‘Are there current burning restrictions in place, and what does that mean for the activities I may want to engage in?'”

There is no open burning allowed in several counties, and campfires are restricted in more than 20 counties. There is no open burning, and no campfires are allowed in more than a dozen counties.

The Greenwood Fire, believed to be sparked by lightning on August 15th, has now scorched roughly 26,000 acres, or 41 square miles, and is growing by an estimated 4,200 acres, or six and a half square miles per day. With the North Shore and Gunflint Trail being a popular vacation destination, Langeberg cautions people to be on the lookout for crews traveling in and out of affected areas, allowing them to press ahead without disruption.

“If you’re in an area where there is active fire equipment moving, be mindful of that. Watch your speed, slow down, move over and let those vehicles pass by.”

Before traveling, she says people should visit the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources website to see a list of current burning restrictions. They’re also urged to see if campsites are closed. The John Ek Fire, which is now at 1,563 acres, caused the upper Gunflint Trail to close. The Trail’s End Campground and the Iron Lake Campgrounds are both closed due to fire activity in the area. The Ham Lake Fire also impacted this area in 2007.

The Greenwood Fire has already forced the temporary closure of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. That fire is burning roughly 20 miles off of Highway 61 near Isabella and is just six miles away from the town.

Keep up to date with the fires by clicking here.

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MNC Reporter Mike Moen contributed to this report.

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