U.S. Forest Service officials have enacted a ban on all types of fire in the Superior National Forest — brush, debris, campfires, charcoal grills and even gas camp stoves — until wildfire conditions improve.
Officials announced the ban Thursday noting that late April and early May is the region's most intense period for wildfires — after snow melts, while last year's dead leaves and grass are dry and before spring greenup.
Breezy, dry conditions in recent days have compounded the danger. The Forest Service ban goes much further than state rules in Minnesota and Wisconsin, which have banned debris and brush fires but which still allow campfires and barbecue fires.
Most Forest Service offices, campgrounds and other facilities remain closed, either seasonally or due to COVID-19 restrictions, including the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. The Forest Service fire ban is in effect until further notice.
