MINERAL COUNTY - As temperatures continue to hover around 100 degrees during Mineral County afternoons combined with the lack of precipitation over the last several weeks, authoroties decided last week to raise the fire danger level to extreme.

Under advisement from members of the Forest Service and other experts, Mineral County commissioners also enacted a ban on the public use of fireworks last week. The professional show in St. Regis went ahead as scheduled and was attended by hundreds of community members.

According to information supplied by Superior Ranger District Fire Prevention Oficer Jim Ward, there have been recent changes to the drought status of Mineral County.

According to the U.S. Drought Monitor, the area is currently suffering from severe drought.

Ward’s report also indicated below normal percent of precipitation and above normal temperatures.

The Climate Prediction Center also showed an increased probability of above normal temperatures for a three month outlook.

Ward also reported there were no eported wildfires on July 4. The Forest Services’ increased levels of patrols found no one using fireworks, no abandoned campfires and only two campfires where they were prohibited.