Although weekend rains may have lessened the immediate fire danger in the Quetico-Superior region, wildland fire experts say this year could shape up to be one of the worst fire years in a generation.
Minnesota Public Radio has the full story HERE.
Drought conditions prevail in Northeastern Minnesota where moisture levels are lower than they were for the Cavity Lake and Ham Lake fires of 2006 and 2007. Indeed conditions have not been this dry since 1976, a notoriously bad fire year.
Burning restrictions are in place in 37 Minnesota counties, the Forest Service has fire restriction in the Superior and Chippewa National Forests, and the Kekakabic Hiking Trail across the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness has been closed for fear a wildfire could trap hikers.