Campfire ban lifted for BWCA, Superior National Forest

The campfire ban is over in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness.

According to information sent to WTIP on Friday, Sept. 17, people will again be able to have campfires at designated fire grates in the BWCA, and across Superior National Forest at rustic and backcountry campsites. The U.S. Forest Service lifted fire restrictions across Superior National Forest.

“Weather and rain have finally cooperated and the forest feels confident it is safe to fully lift fire restrictions at this time. While the window for fire risk is closing, it’s not entirely shut. We ask that our visitors practice vigilance and ensure campfires are fully extinguished before leaving them unattended,” said Chase Marshall, fire management officer for the Superior National Forest.

Rainfall has increased this month, temperatures are cooler and days are becoming shorter, which means the chance of a fire becoming established is lessening, according to the Forest Service. However, northeastern Minnesota typically experiences several hot, dry days in September and fires can start with the right set of conditions.

The campfire ban first went into effect July 9. A series of wildfires throughout the summer and early fall, coupled with a severe drought, kept the ban in place for months.

Joe Friedrichs September 17, 2021