The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service plans to conduct a prescribed fire on Tamarac National Wildlife Refuge between late April and the end of May, pending suitable weather and fuel conditions. The planned burn area encompasses approximately 1,500 acres near the corner of Bruce Boulevard and Hwy 143 corridor. During active burning, residents and visitors should expect to see significant smoke in the Ice Cracking Lake area. Travelers using Bruce Boulevard (north–south) and Becker County Highway 143 (east–west) may experience short delays or encounter reduced visibility due to smoke. The public is asked to slow down, use caution, and be alert for firefighters, equipment, and emergency vehicles working along roadways.
Experienced firefighters from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, other agencies, and local partners will assist with implementation of the burn to support operations. The operation will only take place under favorable weather conditions to keep the fire and smoke manageable. Since such prescribed fire is weather-dependent, the exact date for this activity will not be known until shortly beforehand.
Fire often gets a bad reputation, but when used with care and intention, it can be one of the most effective tools we have for restoring and sustaining healthy landscapes. Prescribed fire is the controlled application of fire conducted under specific conditions with specific goals. Many native plants and wildlife species have evolved alongside fire and depend on it to thrive. The goals of this prescribed fire through the woods is to reduce hazardous fuels that could intensify a wildfire, improve the health and vitality of the native plant communities, enhance wildlife habitat, and reduce invasive plants. This important management tool restores historical fire patterns that help us sustain resilient landscapes.
After a burn, visitors may see smoldering logs or other woody debris which is a part of the prescribed burn prescribed burn
A prescribed burn is the controlled use of fire to restore wildlife habitat, reduce wildfire risk, or achieve other habitat management goals. We have been using prescribed burn techniques to improve species habitat since the 1930s.
Learn more about prescribed burn process. These areas are closely monitored by refuge staff. This northern portion of the refuge is closed to visitors March 1 to September 1.
*Update: This burn was successfully completed on May 10, 2026. Visitors will notice burned areas along Hwy 143 and this will quickly green up.
For additional information or questions, please contact the Tamarac Refuge Manager Kent Sundseth at 218-308-7589.
