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Boreal Community Media

Superior National Forest Tightens Fire Restrictions

Jul 22, 2021 03:25PM ● By Editor
 From the Superior National Forest - July 22, 2021

The Superior National Forest is tightening up fire restrictions on the forest. Starting today, July 22, campfires will not be allowed on the Forest or the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, even in designated fire rings.  

The Forest Order restricting fires on the Forest originally went into effect on July 9, 2021 with some exemptions as shown in Exhibit A, which is attached to the order. The Exhibit has now been amended and there are no longer any exemptions or fires allowed on the forest and will be showing on the Forest website shortly. 

The Forest Supervisor is restricting campfires across the entire Forest given currently active fires, dry and stressed vegetation and fire risk, and the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources recent statewide drought warning.  

Visitors are allowed to use pressurized devices with an on/off switch that are powered by gas or propane. This includes gas and propane powered firepits, stoves, and lanterns.  

In addition to fire restrictions, there are other actions that visitors can take to help reduce risk of fire. Be fire safe by following these practices: 

    • Avoid driving and parking vehicles, including UTVs/ATVs over tall, dry grass (vehicles cause more acreage burned than any other equipment).  
    • Install spark arrestors on outdoor equipment and recreational vehicles and maintain recreational vehicles, trailers, and farm equipment to minimize the potential for sparks or other sources of heat.  
    • Check for dragging chains before hauling campers or trailers. Dragging safety chains down the road can quickly become hot and make sparks, causing grass fires.  
    • Make sure your cigarette is completely out before disposing of it in a trash receptacle.

Contact:
Joanna Gilkeson 
Public Affairs Specialist
Forest Service
Superior National Forest
p: 218-349-5134
[email protected]

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