Fire danger is at highest level in state

Campfires or recreational fires remain banned throughout all of Cook County, and the Kekekabic Trail, connector trails and loops stay closed until further notice. According to the Minnesota Interagency Fire Center in Grand Rapids, the state-wide fire planning level is at its highest – Level Five.
 

Under an order issued last Friday by Sheriff Mark Falk, all campfires and burning of any kind is prohibited in Cook County. This includes fireworks and open flam torches. The sheriff’s order supersedes fire restrictions issued by other agencies. Violation of the Sheriff’s fire ban can result in criminal charges -- violators could be held liable for costs related to fire suppression efforts from a fire that is in violation of the order.
 

As of this afternoon one new fire has been reported in the Northeast, for a year-to-date total of 378 fires having burned a total of 2,562 acres.

       No significant rain fell in the north over the weekend, nor is any in the immediate forecast.  High to very high fire danger returns today as a dry high pressure system enters the state. Duluth received just 1/6^th of an inch and remains nearly 2½ inches below normal precipitation for the year. Hibbing had about one-tenth of an inch. Little or no rain fell north of the Iron Range.

 Work continues on fires in the DNR areas of Warroad, Cloquet and Hibbing. These include the Tower Complex and the Floodwood Lake 82 fires.

Fifteen fires are burning in the West Fire Region of Ontario, which included fires near Thunder Bay. All fires have been caused by humans. There have been 188 fires in Ontario so far this season affecting over 1,800 acres.To date no fires have been reported in Ontario along the International Border with Cook County.