ELY — The Superior National Forest implemented a campfire ban in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness as dry weather continues to stoke concerns for wildfire.
The campfire restrictions will go into effect beginning midnight Saturday, June 6, through June 30, unless the Emergency Forest Order is rescinded or extended.
Gas or propane cook stoves will continue to be allowed, but stoves and grills fueled by charcoal or other wood will not be permitted.
The Forest Service warns the potential for wildfire is high across northern Minnesota, and encourages people to be 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,” stated a Forest Service news release.
“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.”
The nearby Birch Bay Fire has burned 35 acres since Monday and as of Thursday afternoon was 30% contained. The cause remains under investigation.
-
Contributed/Nicole Neri | Minnesota ReformerA Detroit Lakes food co-op and independent food stores like it show a resilient rural Minnesota. -
Lorie ShaullThe five-month process reviewed Medicaid providers in 13 service areas in all 87 counties, with more than 3,400 providers disenrolled by the state's Department of Human Services. -
Contributed/Adobe Stock via Minnesota News ConnectionFollowing high-profile fraud cases, Minnesota will join other states in overhauling systems to comply with stricter Medicaid work requirements. -
Contributed/Wolverines Boys and Girls GolfSeven rural Northern Minnesota teams and nearly 90 student-athletes in total will compete Tuesday-Wednesday, June 9-10, 2026, on courses in and around the Twin Cities. -
Plus: Grand Rapids hosts the state's annual wildland firefighting academy. -
Contributed/Minnesota Bureau of Criminal ApprehensionThe man was reported missing on June 1, 2026, six months after he was last seen by family and friends. He was last seen in Keewatin or Nashwauk. -
And: Esports, girls team wrestling moving foward with MSHSL; Highway 6 bridge in Itasca County closes Monday.
-
Contributed/Minnesota Department of TransportationTraffic will be detoured starting Monday, June 8, 2026. The detour is expected to be in place through November. -
Contributed/U.S. Forest Service-Superior National Forest via FacebookThe fire grew to its current size within hours of starting northwest of Burntside Lake on June 1, 2026, amid high temperatures, low humidity and light winds. -
Contributed/Michelle Griffith / Minnesota ReformerThe House speaker justified reneging on her pledge to abide by the endorsement by pointing to alleged voting irregularities at the convention in Duluth.
