Forest Service temporarily bans campfires in Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness
Go Deeper.
Create an account or log in to save stories.
Like this?
Thanks for liking this story! We have added it to a list of your favorite stories.
Officials with the Superior National Forest are temporarily banning campfires in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, amid ongoing dry conditions in northeast Minnesota.
That order goes into effect at 12:01 a.m. Saturday and is set to run through June 30. It covers campfires and any stoves or grills fueled by wood or charcoal. BWCAW visitors can still use gas and propane cook stoves — but the Forest Service is asking people to use caution.
“The potential for wildfire is high across… northern Minnesota at this time. It is extremely important that people are careful with any sources of ignition,” the Superior National Forest reported in a news release Thursday.
The temporary campfire ban could be extended if the dry weather continues over the coming weeks — or could be rescinded if there’s plentiful rain.
Turn Up Your Support
MPR News helps you turn down the noise and build shared understanding. Turn up your support for this public resource and keep trusted journalism accessible to all.
Similar bans were put in place in the Boundary Waters in 2023, and again in 2024.
Rainfall deficits in recent weeks have increased the fire danger in northeast Minnesota, including the Boundary Waters.
While campfires are still allowed outside the wilderness, the Forest Service asked campers to “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.”
Birch Bay wildfire update
The announcement of the campfire ban came as crews continue working to contain the 35-acre Birch Bay wildfire.
That fire started Monday near the North Arm of Burntside Lake, about eight miles northwest of Ely.
U.S. Forest Service officials said Thursday that the fire is now 30 percent contained. About 100 people are working to contain the fire on the ground and from the air.
Several seasonal cabins in the area were evacuated earlier this week, but those evacuation orders were lifted on Thursday.
The cause of the fire remains under investigation.
