9/16/11 9:45 AM – We just received this from the Forest Service. It is a total fire ban on the Superior National Forest, both in and out of the BWCA Wilderness:
FYI: The decision has been made to change campfire restrictions on the Superior National Forest.
This means that two previous Supervisor’s Orders will be terminated: one regarding campfire use in the BWCAW and one regarding campfire use on national forest lands outside of the BWCAW.
In their place ONE new Order goes into effect at 12:01 am on Friday, September 16, 2011.
As of September 16 until further notice, it is prohibited to build, maintain, or use a fire or campfire, including charcoal fires, wood-burning camp stoves, and charcoal grills anywhere on national forest lands within the Superior National Forest, including the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. Use of pressurized liquid gas stoves is allowed.
We anticipate by Friday morning the State will be issuing similar restrictions on areas outside of the Superior NF and we will coordinate on a public announcement with the intent of a consistent message to the public.
Our website, signage, etc will be updated to reflect this information.
The Supervisor’s orders are posted on the Alerts section.
Apologies for confusion about the changes. Things have been happening pretty quickly.