Superior National Forest reopens BWCA after Spice Lake Fire

Following the recent cooler weather and precipitation, Superior National Forest fire managers have categorized the Spice Lake Fire as 100 percent controlled. With that news, the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW) will be fully reopened to campers and canoeists in the coming days.

On June 28, the Superior National Forest announced it is removing the existing emergency closure for the area within the BWCAW surrounding Spice Lake. The termination of the emergency closure order will go into effect beginning at 12:01 a.m. on Friday, June 30. 

Superior National Forest officials state a fire is considered controlled when the control line has been strengthened and secured, making it unlikely for the fire to escape the bounds of the line. Firefighters have cooled all hotspots adjacent to the line and removed any unburnt fuel in the area surrounding the line.

Campfire restrictions remain in effect at this time. 

Spice Lake is located east of Knife and Kekekabic Lakes and southwest of Seagull Lake, and approximately 10 miles west of the Gunflint Trail. The Spice Lake Fire was initially detected on June 13, and closures went into effect on June 16. 

With the July 4 celebrations around the corner, the Superior National Forest wants to remind the public that fireworks are not allowed on National Forest System lands such as the Superior National Forest, which includes the BWCAW.

Kalli Hawkins June 29, 2023