Superior National Forest Restricts Campfire Use Within the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness & Modifies Wood Lake Fire Closure

Drying conditions continue across northern Minnesota prompts campfire restrictions & modifies closures of lakes and portages around the Wood Lake Fire

Duluth, MN – September 30, 2024 –Due to continued dry conditions and worsening wildfire danger conditions, the Superior National Forest has issued an Emergency Forest Order 09-09-24-08 – effective October 1, 2024 – restricting the igniting, building, main­taining, attending, or using a fire or campfire, including charcoal grills and barbeques, coal, and woodburning stoves to reduce the likelihood of a wildfire within the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW) of the Superior National Forest. (Forest Order 09-09-24-08). BWCAW camp­fire restriction information and Exhibit A-Closure Map:

https://www.fs.usda.gov/de­tail/superior/notices/?cid=BWCAW  campfire restric­tions go into effect beginning Tuesday morning (00:01) a.m., October 1, 2024. Gas or pro­pane cook stoves are allowed throughout the Superior Na­tional Forest, including the BWCAW and are a safer option than campfires. Stoves or grills fueled by charcoal, or any type of wood are not allowed. These restrictions will continue until further notice.

In addition to the campfire restriction effect, the Superior National Forest is reinstating the Wood Lake Fire closure restrictions, to close Wood, Good, Hula, and Indiana Lakes and connecting portages.

“We have seen warmer and dryer conditions across much of the Superior Nation­al Forest, especially within the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. We want the recre­ating public to be safe as they enjoy the Forest,” stated Tom Hall, Superior National Forest Supervisor.

The potential for wildfire is high across all ownerships in northern Minnesota at this time. It is extremely important that people area careful with any sources of ignition such as smoking devices, dragging chains, and recreational vehi­cles. If you are in a location where you can have a campfire outside the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, con­sider if the conditions are right and if you need a fire. Be sure to keep your campfire small and put it out cold to the touch whenever you leave it. All per­mitted campfires must be at­tended all times.