Effective October 11, 12:01 am the Superior NF restricted campfire and fire use within its’ boundary, coordinated with the MN DNR, and the Boise Forte and Grand Portage Bands. Below are FAQs regarding the restrictions. 

Q:  Why not plainly say that fires and campfires are banned or prohibited – why restricted?

A:  A restriction is not an absolute. There are exceptions to the restrictions as noted in the Forest Order. The federal, state, counties, and tribes all have subtle differences and authorities to work through when processing this type of action.  Example:  The SNF has some unique circumstances such as resorts that are permitted on USFS land (i.e., Vets on the Lake).

Q:  What is different between the MN DNR and Superior NF Fire Restrictions effective Oct 11?

 A:   Both the MN DNR and Superior NF burn restriction include northern Cook, Koochiching, Lake, and St Louis Counties.  The difference is on State and Private lands – the DNR is allowing fire within a fire ring.  The Superior NF is not allowing fire within its boundary, including the BWCAW.

Q:  Are campfires allowed on Recreation Residents permitted by the Superior NF?

A: No, campfires are not allowed on FS land.  The Recreation Residents permit their land from the FS.

Q:  Are campfires allowed on Resorts permitted by the Superior NF?

A: No, campfires are not allowed on FS land.  The Resorts permit their land from the FS.

Q:  Are campfires allowed in the BWCAW?

A: No, campfires are not allowed in the BWCAW, that includes in a designated fire grate.

Q:  Are campfires allowed in backcountry campsites on the Superior NF?

A: No, campfires are not allowed on federal land within the Superior NF boundary.

Q:  Can I use my indoor woodburning stove?

 A:  Yes.  The woodburning stoves noted in the Forest Order are temporary/ portable woodburning stoves used in a temporary structure or tent.  The order does not pertain to permanent indoor woodburning stoves.

Q:  We received rain in the past few days, why aren’t the Fire Restrictions being lifted?

A: The recent rain was scattered and light across the area.  Northern Minnesota is still in high/extreme risk of wildfire due to dry conditions, and now increased risk further with leaf drop creating fine fuels which can ignite quickly.  Additionally, due to recent Hurricanes and wildfires across the country wildfire resources are limited, so we ask the public to be diligent in following the restrictions across the Superior National Forest, and on MN DNR and private lands.

For additional information regarding fire-related and/or forest closures and updates:

• Superior National Forest-Forest Orders, and Superior NF Fire Management
• Current Forest Order - https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/superior/notices/?cid=FSEPRD1208354
• National Fire incident reporting system -https://inciweb.wildfire.gov
• Minnesota Incident Command System website at www.mnics.org
• National Interagency Fire Center has predicated above normal wildfire risk potential for all of Minnesota, including the Superior National Forest. See map and information at October NIFC Wildfire Potential Outlook