Photo:  Katie Azi on Unsplash.com

From the USFS, Superior National Forest - April 18, 2025

The East Zone Fire Staff of the Superior National Forest is planning on burning 138 acres of piles near the Flour Lake Campground, approximately 50 acres of the remaining piles between Hungry Jack and West Bearskin Lakes, and 15 acres at the Atlas Project area along the Gunflint Trail north of the Greenwood Lake Road. Operations will start on Tuesday, April 22nd, and may occur through April 26th.

Each unit will have a Burn Boss with Forest Service Firefighters.  Operations will start mid-morning and end by 1600 (4 p.m.). No extended dispatch will be required.

 Image: USFS

The weather forecast for next week is partly sunny to mostly cloudy, with highs in the 40s and 50s. There are slight chances of rain throughout the week.  The piles are still generally surrounded by several inches of snow and wet forested areas, and are not expected to creep around; however, they may continue to smolder and produce smoke for a few days after ignition. It’s possible that some overstory trees may catch on fire and produce smoke. Any overstory tree that catches fire will be evaluated to determine if it poses a safety concern and will be felled as needed.