Forest Service enacts campfire ban for BWCAW as dry conditions continue
With continued dry conditions throughout the Superior National Forest, the U.S. Forest Service has enacted campfire restrictions within the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW) starting Saturday, June 6.
Forest Service officials said the restrictions prohibit campfires and the use of coal- or wood-burning stoves within the BWCAW to reduce the risk of wildfire.
The order, which takes effect at 12:01 a.m. on Saturday, will remain in effect until June 30 unless conditions improve and the Forest Service rescinds or extends the order.
“The potential for wildfire is high across all ownerships in northern Minnesota at this time,” the Forest Service said in a Thursday news release. “It is extremely important that people are careful with any sources of ignition such as smoking devices, dragging chains, and recreational vehicles.”
The Forest Service said that for areas outside the BWCAW, individuals should be mindful of the dry conditions and keep campfires small and attended at all times.
There have been two wildfires in northern Minnesota since mid-May. Along the North Shore north of Two Harbors, the Stewart Trail Fire burned over 300 acres, and the still active Birch Bay Fire near Ely has burned 35 acres as of June 4.
Fire danger in Cook County is high, meaning that fires can start very easily and spread quickly. Other areas across northern Minnesota, including in the BWCAW, are very high, according to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources.
Minnesota DNR Fire Danger graphic as of June 4 | Graphic by DNR
Over the past week, areas across northern Minnesota experienced a nearly week long stretch without precipitation and temperatures in the 70s and 80s. The northern region did receive rain on Thursday and according to the National Weather Service in Duluth, rain will continue on Friday.
For additional information regarding fire-related and/or forest closures and updates:
· Superior National Forest website https://www.fs.usda.gov/r09/superior/alerts
· Minnesota Incident Command System website at www.mnics.org
For statewide fire restriction information: https://mnics.org/wpress/counties-added-to-spring-burning-restrictions
Kalli Hawkins June 4, 2026
