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[DULUTH, MN] The City of Duluth will conduct a controlled burn tomorrow, October 9, 2026,  in the southeast corner of Hartley Park/Hartley Designated Natural Area. The Duluth Fire Department will conduct the burn. The Superior Hiking and Nordic ski trails that are located around the burn unit will be temporarily closed today. People near the area of the burn will see smoke throughout the day today.

Controlled burns, also known as prescribed burns or prescribed fire, is a land management strategy that mimics natural fire cycles and promotes ecosystem balance. The goal of this burn is to support the fire-dependent species found in this area by burning off leaf litter on the forest floor and knocking back any invasive species in the understory. The native oak and other tree species in this unit naturally tolerate the type of prescribed fire that will be used here and will benefit from the burn.

Conditions must be ideal to conduct a controlled burn. The Duluth Fire Department has determined that wind speed, humidity and temperature are expected to be at the correct levels to conduct a safe and successful controlled burn. The DFD is using this burn as training opportunity for its firefighters and will be on site all day managing the burn. DFD staff will stay on site until the fire is completely out with no threat of reigniting.

For more information about the City’s Prescribed Fire Program, please visit the City’s Prescribed Fire Program website at: https://duluthmn.gov/parks/natural-resources/land-management/ or contact Kate Kubiak, City of Duluth Natural Resources Coordinator, at 218-580-9150 or kkubiak@duluthmn.gov. Information about this controlled burn will also be posted on Hartley Nature Center’s facebook pages.

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