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Superior National Forest Restricts Campfire Use Within the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness

Jul 10, 2026 12:16PM ● By Editor
Photo by Luke Porter on Unsplash

From the US Forest Service - July 10, 2026


Due to continued dry conditions and wildfire conditions, the Superior National Forest is issuing an Emergency Forest Order for campfire restrictions effective July 11, 2026, at 12:01 a.m. within the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW). This Order restricts the ignition, building, maintaining, attending, or using a fire or campfire, including charcoal grills and barbeques, coal, and woodburning stoves to reduce the likelihood of a wildfire within the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW). Campfire restriction information and Exhibit A–Closure Map will be posted to the forest’s Alerts page https://www.fs.usda.gov/r09/superior/alerts
BWCAW campfire restrictions go into effect beginning Saturday morning (12:01) a.m., July 11, 2026, until rescinded.
  • Gas or propane cook stoves are allowed throughout the BWCAW.
  • Stoves or grills fueled by charcoal, or any type of wood are not allowed.
The potential for wildfire is high across all ownerships in northern Minnesota currently. It is extremely important that people are careful with any sources of ignition such as smoking devices, dragging chains, and recreational vehicles. If you are in a location where you can have a campfire outside the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, consider if the conditions are right and if you need a fire. Be sure to keep your campfire small and put it out cold to the touch whenever you leave it. All permitted campfires must be attended all times.
For additional information regarding fire-related and/or forest closures and updates:
About the Forest Service: The USDA Forest Service has for more than 100 years brought people and communities together to answer the call of conservation. Grounded in world-class science and technology– and rooted in communities–the Forest Service connects people to nature and to each other. The Forest Service cares for shared natural resources in ways that promote lasting economic, ecological, and social vitality. The agency manages 193 million acres of public land, provides assistance to state and private landowners, maintains the largest wildland fire and forestry research organizations in the world. The Forest Service also has either a direct or indirect role in stewardship of about 900 million forested acres within the U.S., of which over 130 million acres are urban forests where most Americans live. 
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