Superior National Forest restricts campfire use within Minnesota’s Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness

Duluth, Minn. — Due to continued dry conditions and wildfire danger conditions, the Superior National Forest is issuing an Emergency Forest Order for campfire restrictions effective June 6, 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 barbecues, coal, and wood-burning 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 forests Alerts page.

BWCAW campfire restrictions go into effect beginning Saturday morning (12:01) a.m., June 6, 2026 until June 30 unless rescinded or extended:

•   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 at this time. It is extremely important that people are careful with any sources of ignition such as smoking devices, dragging chains, and recreational vehicles.

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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. 

Follow these links for additional information regarding fire-related and/or forest closures and updates:

• Superior National Forest website
• Minnesota Incident Command System website
• Statewide fire restriction information