Voyageurs National Park Issues Burning Restrictions

by Kate Severson – Program Manager for Interpretation, Outreach, and Partnerships of VNP

VOYAGEURS NATIONAL PARK, Minn. – Due to increasing fire danger, Voyageurs National Park is banning all campfires within the park.

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources has issued a Class III burning restrictions for northern St. Louis and Koochiching Counties. Although Class III restrictions do allow recreational fires at established campgrounds within designated receptacles, Voyageur’s campsites do not fall under this category. All campsites in Voyageurs National Park are considered dispersed campsites and pose a greater challenge for timely emergency response than do roadside campgrounds.

Therefore, in cooperation with the Minnesota DNR, Voyageurs National Park will apply the following restrictions throughout the park effective immediately.

Not Allowed:

• Recreational fires (campfires)
• Charcoal fueled fires or grills

Allowed:

• Gas and propane fired camp stoves, grills, or similar devices

Due to the lack of recent rainfall, the fire danger remains high to very high throughout the area. Park staff will continue to monitor local fire danger and will work closely with neighboring agencies to maintain consistent burning restrictions. Additional restrictions may be necessary if fire danger continues to increase.

“We ask for everyone’s understanding and cooperation during this critical dry period,” Park Superintendent Bob DeGross said. “We will remove these restrictions as soon as conditions within the park are favorable.”