Local News

Unauthorized drone flies over wildfire near Split Rock Lighthouse

KAXE

Published March 15, 2024 at 4:17 PM CDT

A Minnesota Department of Natural Resources helicopter drops water on a wildfire Tuesday, March 12, 2024, near Split Rock Lighthouse on the North Shore of Lake Superior. Firefighters encountered an unauthorized drone flying near the scene.

Minnesota law prohibits interfering with a firefighter in their official duties, including unauthorized drones that restrict aircraft. Wildfire activity has steadily climbed since mid-February as dry conditions persist.

NORTH SHORE — Minnesota public safety officials are reminding the public it is illegal to fly drones near wildfires after firefighters encountered one Tuesday, March 12, while battling a small blaze near Split Rock Lighthouse.

The Minnesota Interagency Fire Center in Grand Rapids reported while a Minnesota Department of Natural Resources helicopter was refueling at the scene, firefighters on the ground spotted the drone while they worked to control the 1-acre fire.

The helicopter remained grounded until firefighters confirmed the drone had landed, and then returned to base.

Firefighters are already facing hectic and dangerous circumstances, the fire center stated, with smoke-filled air limiting visibility on the ground and in the air.

Minnesota law prohibits interfering with a firefighter in their official duties, including unauthorized drones that delay or restrict responding aircraft. From the moment a wildfire starts until it is out cold, the fire center said Minnesotans should expect aircraft on the way or already responding.

Early fire season

Wildfire activity throughout Minnesota has steadily climbed since mid-February as dry conditions persist. Beginning Monday, the DNR is restricting open burning in 38 counties, including much of Northern Minnesota.

The restrictions apply in the following counties: Aitkin, Anoka, Becker, Beltrami, Benton, Carlton, Cass, Chisago, Clay, Clearwater, Crow Wing, Douglas, Grant, Hennepin, Hubbard, Isanti, Itasca, Kanabec, Mahnomen, Mille Lacs, Morrison, Norman, Otter Tail, Pine, Polk, Pope, Ramsey, Red Lake, Sherburne, St. Louis County (southern half), Stearns, Stevens, Todd, Traverse, Wadena, Washington, Wilkin and Wright.

Burning restrictions in the state of Minnesota as of March 15, 2024.

The agency will not issue burn permits in these areas until restrictions are lifted.

People cause over 90% of wildfires in Minnesota. And as of the latest Minnesota Interagency Fire Center report, more than 5,200 acres have burned this year in human-caused fires.

Burning restrictions will be adjusted as conditions change.

For more information and daily updates on current fire risk and open burning restrictions, visit the statewide fire danger and burning restrictions page of the DNR website.