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The Forest Service will resume prescribed fire operations with select pile burning across the five different ranger districts beginning in November and throughout the winter as conditions permit. Pile burns are a type of prescribed fire where trained personnel pile and burn forest debris to reduce an area’s wildfire risk.
There are approximately 1,400 acres of unburned piles across the Superior National Forest. Out of the total planned acres, around 800 acres of piles are located on the Kawishiwi, LaCroix and Laurentian Ranger Districts, while the Tofte and Gunflint Ranger Districts have around 600 acres identified for planned pile burns.
The piles for burning have been assembled by either mechanical or hand treatment vegetation management methods. The units for pile burning on the Superior NF include brush disposal sites, timber sale areas, recreation areas, or in areas of high hazardous fuels risk.
The Forest Service also uses fuel treatments and prescribed fire to encourage new growth of native plants and improve wildlife habitat. For example, critical moose habitat depends on forest openings with new young growth available as forage. The Forest Service will remain flexible to local conditions and concerns in determining pile burning schedules and frequency throughout the fall and winter.
“Superior National Forest staff will be burning piles in efforts to reduce hazardous fuels to help mitigate for wildfires in the national forest, especially around higher values at risk such as cabins and homes. Pile burning can be the last step in fuels reduction, but often fire management will assess the area and complete an under burn if needed. These units were previously treated by mechanical or hand work to cut the vegetative fuels by personnel or contractors,” said Nick Petrack, Chippewa and Superior National Forest Fire Manager.
Implementation of this work supports the Superior NF’s commitment to addressing the Wildfire Crisis Strategy, which aims to reduce severity of wildfires, protect communities, and improve the health and resiliency of fire-dependent forests.
Smoke may impact private structures and roads near the burning operations as piles smolder and burn down. Personnel will be present during fire operations to monitor smoke and provide traffic control. Firefighters will monitor piles until they are declared out. Signs will be posted on roadways near burning. Please do not report ignitions.
Benefits of pile burning: Fuel Reduction: One of the primary benefits of pile burning is the reduction of fuel sources that contribute to the rapid spread of wildfires. Piles are made from the debris left after activities that involve thinning or cutting of trees in the forest, such as timber harvests, timber stand improvement cuts or wildlife habitat improvement that can act as tinder for wildfires.
Community Protection: Pile burning creates buffer zones around residential areas by eliminating potential fuel sources, effectively acting as a barrier against the encroachment of wildfires. This helps safeguard homes, infrastructure, and the safety of residents.
