DULUTH — People visiting the Superior National Forest may once again build fires after rainfall tamed the risk of wildfire in the drought-stricken Northland.
The U.S. Forest Service announced a rollback of its fire restrictions effective 12:01 a.m. Monday, July 3.
“We have received between 2-3 inches of widespread rain within the last seven days around the area,” stated Ben Roy, acting forest management officer for the Superior and Chippewa national forests, in a news release. “In working with interagency fire managers, we have determined that fire conditions are currently within acceptable levels to lift fire restrictions across NE Minnesota including the Superior National Forest.”
The Forest Service last week also lifted its closure order for an area within the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. The area was closed while crews battled a wildfire in a remote area near Spice Lake.
The fire was declared 100% controlled after about 10 days of firefighters working to prevent its spread. A fire is considered controlled when the control line has been strengthened and secured, making it unlikely for the fire to escape the bounds of the line.
“Please be aware that forest fires can make remaining standing trees unstable and potentially fall over due to burnt roots within and around the fire area,” a news release stated. “Please use caution if traveling near the fire area.”
