Superior National Forest
Forest Service News Release
Joy VanDrie: Public Affairs Staff Officer
231-878-0998 call or text
joy.vandrie@usda.gov
Superior National Forest Restricts Campfire Use Within the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness
Wildfires and drying conditions across northern Minnesota prompts campfire restrictions
Duluth, Minn. July 10, 2026—Due to continued dry conditions and wildfire conditions, the Superior National Forest is issuing an Emergency Forest Order for campfire restrictions effective July 11, 2026, at 12:01 a.m. within the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW). This Order restricts the ignition, 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). Campfire restriction information and Exhibit A–Closure Map will be posted to the forest’s Alerts page https://www.fs.usda.gov/r09/superior/alerts
BWCAW campfire restrictions go into effect beginning Saturday morning (12:01) a.m., July 11, 2026, until rescinded.
• Gas or propane cook stoves are allowed throughout the BWCAW.
• Stoves or grills fueled by charcoal, or any type of wood are not allowed.
The potential for wildfire is high across all ownerships in northern Minnesota currently. It is extremely important that people are 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.
For additional information regarding fire-related and/or forest closures and updates:
• Superior National Forest website https://www.fs.usda.gov/r09/superior/alerts
• Minnesota Incident Command System website at www.mnics.org
• For statewide fire restriction information: https://mnics.org
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