Single Publication

Forest Service News Release

Joy VanDrie, Public Affairs Staff Officer

231-878-0998, joy.vandrie@usda.gov

https://www.fs.usda.gov/r09/superior

Superior National Forest Issues Closure Order for Horse River Fire

The Horse River Fire Emergency Closure Order 09-09-25-06 in the BWCAW is effective May 27, 12:01pm CT.

Duluth, MN. May 28, 2025 — The Superior National Forest (SNF) Forest Supervisor Tom Hall has issued Emergency Forest Order Closure 09-09-25-06 effective May 27, 2025, at 12:01pm. due to wildfire activity in the BWCAW Horse Lake area, on the Kawishiwi Ranger District.  This closure closes the area to visitors, currently only affecting the winter route (dog sled portage) between Jackfish Bay and Lower Basswood Falls and the immediate fire area of Horse River Fire.  Paddlers in the area are advised to stay away from the area for their own safety.  Please check the Horse River Fire Facts on https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/mnsuf-horse-river-fire

This closure may be modified or extended as conditions allow; check the Forest Alert for all wildfire and other emergency or closure related details: https://www.fs.usda.gov/r09/superior/alerts. 

The Forest Service has notified Recreation.gov reservation holders, concessionaires, and is encouraging those with reservations in the area to seek an alternate area of the Superior National Forest for similar experiences.  The emergency closure is necessary for the safety of our visitors, area residents and our firefighters. 

Beyond the closure for the current wildfires, the remaining Superior National Forest is open to the public and no other restrictions apply. 

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