Forest-wide Fire Restrictions

Forest Service News Release

Christine Kolinski, Public Affairs Specialist

christine.kolinski@usda.gov

Superior National Forest website

Superior National Forest Lifts Campfire Restrictions on Developed Recreation Sites

Class III Fire Restrictions in effect on July 29, 2026 

(Duluth, MN, July 29, 2026) – Portions of the Superior National Forest moved from Class IV fire restrictions to Class III fire restrictions effective Wednesday July 29, 2026, at 12:01a.m. This lifting specifically applies to open developed recreation areas and rustic recreation campgrounds and is a result of recent rains offering some relief from drought conditions. Campgrounds currently under a closure order remain closed. All restrictions remain in place in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW) and other areas not included in Exhibits A and B. This change in restriction status is in coordination with the MN Department of Natural Resources, the Bois Forte Band of Chippewa, and Grand Portage Band of Lake Superior Chippewa. For more information and Forest alerts, please visit: https://www.fs.usda.gov/r09/superior/alerts

“Having a campfire is a special part of recreating outdoors, so we are glad to be able to lift these restrictions in specific areas to offer that opportunity to the public” said Sunny Lucas, Superior National Forest Deputy Supervisor (Acting). “However, we would like to remind the public that fire danger across northeastern Minnesota remains moderate to high and that responsible campfire use remains important.”

Class III fire restrictions prohibit all fires and campfires, except within designated metal fire rings provided by the Forest Service in developed and rustic recreation campgrounds. Stoves or grills fueled by charcoal, briquettes, or any type of wood are also prohibited. Fireworks or other pyrotechnic devices are never allowed. BWCAW designated campsites, dispersed/ backcountry campsites remain under full restriction and fires are NOT allowed. 

There are some exceptions to these restrictions. Stoves or grills that have an on/off switch and are powered by propane or other pressurized gas fuels may be used. 

The sites where Class III restrictions are now in place are reflected in Exhibit A-List and Exhibit B-Map on the Alerts website.

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 Superior National Forest boundary, which includes northern portions of Cook, Koochiching, Lake, and St. Louis Counties. On July 12, the Superior National Forest issued an Emergency Forest Order (09-09-00-26-09) due to continued dry conditions and wildfires. 

The potential for wildfire remains high across all ownerships in northern Minnesota. 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 will continue to monitor conditions and will adjust fire restrictions as conditions improve, in coordination with our partners. 

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

• Superior National Forest website https://www.fs.usda.gov/r09/superior/alerts 
• National Fire incident reporting system -https://inciweb.wildfire.gov 
• Minnesota Incident Command System website at www.mnics.org
• For statewide fire restriction information:  www.mndnr.gov/burnrestrictions

Frequently Asked Questions

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 Superior NF 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 July 12? 

 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 did not allow fire within its boundary, including the BWCAW, effective July 12; however, now campfires in designated rustic and developed campgrounds are allowed. Please refer to Exhibit A on the Forest’s alert page. 

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

 A: If your land has an established fire ring, you are permitted to have a campfire. 

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 have a campfire in a remote campsite on State land?

A. No, the State is not allowing campfires in state forests, including their campgrounds, State day-use areas, recreational areas, or backpacking sites. Campfires are allowed only in an established fire ring associated with a state park, home, cabin, permanent campground or resort. 

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: Can I use my camp stove while visiting the Superior National Forest?

A: Pressurized devices with on/off valves are allowed, including propane or gas powered firepits, stoves and lanterns are allowable. Alcohol stoves are permitted if they have an on/off switch. Stoves or grills fueled by charcoal or any type of wood are not allowed.

Q. Can I burn brush? 

A. No burning of brush or yard waste is allowed. Burning permits will not be issued or activated by the MN DNR. 

Q: Can I use tiki torches, bug candles, have a sauna, etc.?

A: Although these items are not considered “campfires,” technically, they are legal. However, given the number of wildfires on the landscape, we ask the public to use caution in deciding to use these items.  If a wildfire results from their use, a person could be federally charged and held responsible for the cost of the incident.