I head up to the Brule lake area next Monday and am wondering if any of you folks have heard murmurs of any sort of campfire ban?

Went in last year around this time during the onset of the Canadian wildfires, and a fire ban was issued during the middle of our trip.

There is always a chance for a fire ban so be prepared. That said, I think we are late enough into the spring that things should have greened up enough to lower the fire risk significantly. I am seeing the drought monitor looking good as well so I would say there is a low risk. Just bring a gas stove in case there is a ban for some reason.

I went up to Tee Lake on Saturday, just a couple miles South of the wilderness border and it was bone dry on the carry down, and the campsite was crispy and crunchy with every step. Not a good sign.

Almost no chance for a fire ban next week. Precipitation chances are in the forecast and we have had some moisture this spring. Be more concerned about cold nights. We have been having frost warnings nightly in the north country. 34' at my house this morning north of duluth.
Tom

I spoke with the Gunflint Ranger District 2 weeks ago to move my permit pickup, and asked if they thought a fire ban was possible, and we both agreed with the amount of rain they've gotten and how much more seems to be in the forecast, it's very unlikely.

At this point, while I haven't been up there myself yet (this weekend!), with more moisture on the way, I'd be very surprised if a ban was put in place. Just be careful with your fires as always.

Not so much as a whisper around Ely.

Map of current MN fire restrictions

30 years of wildland firefighting here as well as 4 years on the Superior NF. You will not see any type of fire restrictions or bans in the month of May this year.

I might have to rethink my previous message, must be drier than I thought.

Wildfire near Isabella.

LindenTree: "I might have to rethink my previous message, must be drier than I thought.


Wildfire near Isabella. "

Wow, a prescribed burn too, that got out of control. Wth.
Hopefully this rain is helping

LindenTree: "I might have to rethink my previous message, must be drier than I thought.


Wildfire near Isabella. "

I frequent the woods in Normanna Twp. on a nearly daily basis. I was surprised to see how dry the ground was last Saturday even after the recent rains. A nearly snowless winter (but for the late March event) and the persistent drought really did a number on moisture levels.

Last night’s soaker will probably put those concerns to rest in the Duluth area. It would be useful to look at the various Arrowhead reporting stations to gauge the region-wide situation.

EDIT:

Pretty thin on May precip at this Lake County location (SW of intersection of Langley River Rd. and Hwy. 2):

I recently read "Fire Weather", by John Vaillant. I highly recommend it. It's an eye-opener centered around a 2016 wildfire in Fort McMurray, Alberta. It includes a lot of history/fire science.

Fire season has already begun in Canada and parts of Fort McMurray have recently been evacuated due to wildfires.

I stand by my earlier statement that there is always a chance so be prepared.