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.
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.
For additional information regarding fire-related and/or forest closures and updates:
- Superior National Forest website www.fs.usda.gov/superior, & Superior NF Fire Management
- Minnesota Incident Command System website at www.mnics.org
- SNF Forest Orders are available here
- A Special Weather Statement has been issued for counties of the Superior National Forest for near-critical fire weather
- A Red Flag Warning is issued for counties west and southwest of the Superior National Forest: https://mnics.org/wpress/red-flag-warning-issued-5/
Find out more about the Superior National Forest at www.fs.usda.gov/superior and follow us on Twitter/X @SuperiorNF, on Facebook and Flickr (photo credit: Superior National Forest) #superiornf
The Superior National Forest is managed in Five (5) districts, with a Supervisor’s Office:
- Supervisor’s Office, Duluth: 218-626-4300
- Gunflint District Office, Grand Marais: 218-387-1750
- Kawishiwi District Office, Ely: 218-365-7600
- LaCroix District Office, Cook: 218-666-0020
- Laurentian District Office, Aurora: 218-453-8650
Tofte District Office, Tofte: 218-663-8060
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