Can You Have A Campfire In Northern Minnesota This Weekend?

Last weekend was the first Memorial Day Weekend that I didn't have a campfire as long as I can remember. We decided against it, because just the week before, there was an evacuation zone on the otherside of the lake, due to the Munger Shaw fire near Cotton, Minnesota.

Technically, we were allowed to have a campfire based on the guidance from the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. You can check their Fire Danger and Burning Restrictions online, and they are updated very frequently.

Very High Fire Danger For Northeast Minnesota

The Arrowhead region of Northern Minnesota has a very high fire danger. No open burning is allowed in Carlton, St. Louis, Lake, Cook, Itasca, and Koochiching counties.

Northwest Minnesota remains at a high fire danger. Open burning is allowed with the correct permit for most areas outside of Northeast Minnesota.

Campfire Restrictions

Currently, you can have a campfire. Make sure to check back for updates on the fire danger page. But if you're going to have a campfire, there are some things you need to know to be legal.

Read More: Firefighters Using Canoes To Battle BWCA Wildfire

Select a level spot away from trees, low branches, shrubs, or dry grass. Make sure you have at least 5 foot clearance from any combustible materials around the fire.

Use a designated fire ring. Have a shovel and water at the campsite so you can extinguish the fire. Never leave the fire unattended. Keep the fire less than 3 feet wide with flames less than 3 feet high. Extinguish the fire when you are done by pouring water over the fire and stirring it to get any hotspots.

Are Campgrounds Allowing Fires?

I spoke with Teri from the Whiteface Reservoir campground in Northeast Minnesota. They had to evacuate in recent weeks due to the wildfires in the area. Fortunately, they are back and having campers again at the campground. They are allowing fires, but they are informing guests to keep them low and slow and make sure they extinguish the fire before they go to sleep. She says everyone has been pretty good so far.

90% of Minnesota Wildfires Are Caused By Humans

Humans cause the majority of spring wildfires in Minnesota. Campfires getting out of control or spreading is the number one cause. Be careful, be safe, and don't start another wildfire during this historic wildfire season in Northern Minnesota.