Campfires will be allowed Saturday, but not in BWCA or remote areas

On Saturday, September 4, northlanders will once again be able to enjoy a campfire in some situations. The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources just announced that changes will be made to wildfire-related restrictions to allow campfires at homes, cabins, campgrounds, and resorts in Cook and Lake counties.

These fires must, of course, be attended and in established fire rings.

Campfires are not allowed in the three state forest campgrounds in Grand Portage State Forest due to the remote nature of these campsites. The campsites with a campfire ban still in place are Devilfish Lake Campground, Esther Lake Campground, and McFarland Lake Campground.

No campfires are allowed for dispersed or backcountry camping on all state, county, or private lands. Camping stoves are permitted.

The U.S. Forest Service has announced that most of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness will reopen Saturday, Sept. 4, but that does not mean that campers—in or out of the wilderness—can have fires.

At this time the campfire ban that has been in effect since early July will still be in effect when the BWCA reopens Saturday.

Of the 65 fires reported across Superior National Forest in 2021, nearly half, or 29, have been caused by humans. To minimize risk of human-caused fires, fire restrictions remain in place across all of Superior National Forest. Open flames are not allowed, including campfires and charcoal grills. However, visitors may use propane or gas-powered devices with on/off switches, according to the Forest Service.

The DNR reminds the public that though conditions have improved with recent rain and cooler temperatures, wildfire risk has been reduced—but not entirely eliminated. Extreme caution is advised with any sort of fire at this time.

To check the latest Minnesota Department of Natural Resources fire restrictions, click here.

Rhonda Silence September 2, 2021