Despite damp weather, be careful with campfires

The Grand Marais Fire Department, US Forest Service fire crews, and the Cook County Ambulance were paged to respond to a fire on Benedict’s Road in the Pike Lake area at around 1:30 yesterday, August 30.

Lutsen Fire Department, which provides mutual aid to Grand Marais, was also paged, but when Grand Marais Fire arrived on the scene, the request for assistance was cancelled.

Fire crews were able to quickly extinguish the fire, which apparently started by a campfire that had been smoldering in a peat bog near a cabin. Neighbors spotted flames and called 9-1-1.

Grand Marais Fire Chief Ben Silence reminds the public to ensure that their campfires are completely out when they leave.
A fire that is not completely out can smolder for days and even after heavy rains can re-ignite as the ground dries out and wind increases.  
Fire Chief Silence said in addition to the distress caused by a wildfire, an individual found responsible for a fire can be be fined and charged for the costs to fight the fire.

So, this Labor Day weekend, be very careful with fire!