SEE MAPS TAB FOR CLOSURE ORDERS

 

National Forest System lands on the East end of the Gunflint Trail: The Superior National Forest has closed National Forest system lands along the upper portion of the Gunflint Trail, effective August 24, 2021 (Forest Closure Order 09-09-21-14) due to fires in the vicinity and limited availability of firefighting resources. This closure includes all forest lands along Cook County 12/Gunflint Trail beginning at the Cook County 92 Intersection to the end of the Gunflint Trail at Trails End Campground. The Trails End and Iron Lake Campgrounds are included in this closure. Campground reservations have been cancelled and refunded through August 31. The Forest will reevaluate this closure and determine whether or not it needs to be extended due to active fires.

Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW) Closure: The Superior National Forest has closed the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW) to public use, effective August 21, 2021, (Forest Closure Order 09-09-21-13) due to active and increasing fire activity, extreme drought, and limited personnel. The closure may be modified or extended as conditions allow. This closure includes all lands, waters, trails, portages, campsite, canoe routes and Wilderness entry points in the BWCAW.

The Forest has notified permit holders and outfitters and has extended the cancelled permits through September 3. Permit fees will be fully reimbursed. All overnight paddle, day use and motorized day use is cancelled. The Forest will reopen portions of the Wilderness and/or some uses when it is safe to do so. For details on closure areas, visit the Superior National Forest webpage. With continued fires and a shortage of firefighting resources, these closures allow firefighters to focus on existing fires or new starts without worrying about public safety.

 

CONTACTS

Superior National Forest Fire Information: For fires being managed directly by the Forest please call the fire information number at 218-214-7844 or visit online at: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/, the Superior NF website: www.fs.usda.gov/superior or the Forest Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/SuperiorNF/ .

 

Greenwood Fire: The Greenwood Fire is located north of Greenwood Lake in the Isabella area. The Type 2 Eastern Area GOLD Team is managing the Greenwood Fire. For all Greenwood Fire questions, please call 218-499-9441 or email 2021.greewood@firenet.gov

 

John Ek Fire: The John Ek Fire is a lightning caused fire located south of Little Saganaga Lake within the BWCAW. Whelp Fire: The Whelp Fire is located four miles NW of Sawbill Lake within the BWCAW. The Type 3 MNICS Team C is managing the both the John Ek and Whelp Fires.  For all John Ek or Whelp fire questions, please call 218-209-2633 or email 2021.johnek@firenet.gov

CLOSURES:

National Forest System lands on the East end of the Gunflint Trail: The Superior National Forest has closed National Forest system lands along the upper portion of the Gunflint Trail, effective August 24, 2021 (Forest Closure Order 09-09-21-14) due to fires in the vicinity and limited availability of firefighting resources. This closure includes all forest lands along Cook County 12/Gunflint Trail beginning at the Cook County 92 Intersection to the end of the Gunflint Trail at Trails End Campground. The Trails End and Iron Lake Campgrounds are included in this closure. Campground reservations have been cancelled and refunded through August 31. The Forest will reevaluate this closure and determine whether or not it needs to be extended due to active fires.

Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW) Closure: The Superior National Forest has closed the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW) to public use, effective August 21, 2021, (Forest Closure Order 09-09-21-13) due to active and increasing fire activity, extreme drought, and limited personnel. The closure may be modified or extended as conditions allow. This closure includes all lands, waters, trails, portages, campsite, canoe routes and Wilderness entry points in the BWCAW.

The Forest has notified permit holders and outfitters and has extended the cancelled permits through September 3. Permit fees will be fully reimbursed. All overnight paddle, day use and motorized day use is cancelled. The Forest will reopen portions of the Wilderness and/or some uses when it is safe to do so. For details on closure areas, visit the Superior National Forest webpage. With continued fires and a shortage of firefighting resources, these closures allow firefighters to focus on existing fires or new starts without worrying about public safety.

EAST ZONE FIRES:

Petit Fire: The Petit Fire was detected on August 23 and is located 1 mile north of Crescent Lake within the BWCAW. The fire is .5 acre in size. Firefighters were able to contain the fire on August 24. It will be checked by ground crews again today.

 

Gabi Fire: The Gabi Fire was detected on August 23 and is located west of Gabimichigami Lake within the BWCAW.  The fire is .5 acre in size. Because of the remote location and poor access, it is currently unstaffed. A flight is planned for today to look for opportunities where firefighters could be safely sent in on the ground to start working on this fire.

SAFETY MESSAGE: Several areas of the General Forest including the Gunflint Trail, Crescent Lake, and the Isabella area are being impacted by smoke and fire crew activity. Please avoid recreating in these areas of the Forest to ensure the safety of the public, residents, and firefighters. Thank you.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Canada Fires: Quetico Provincial Park is managing several fires burning across the international border from the BWCAW. Three of those fires have potential to spread into the US near Crooked and Iron lakes.  Fire activity near the border has cooled down recently but fire activity continues to be very active several miles north of the border in Canada. The Forest will continue to conduct daily monitoring flights over the fires and coordinate with counterparts in Ontario. For more information on the fires in Ontario and for an interactive fire map visit: https://www.ontario.ca/page/forest-fires.

Air Quality: An Air Resource Advisor has been assigned to make daily smoke forecasts for locations in Northeastern Minnesota.  The forecast can be found at https://wildlandfiresmoke.net/outlooks/Minnesota

The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) has issued numerous air quality alerts this summer due to wildfire activity.  For more information on current air quality conditions and to sign up for daily air quality forecasts visit MPCA’s Air Quality Index webpage.

Evacuations: There are no mandatory evacuations in St. Louis County or Cook County as of 8am today. A pre-evacuation notice has been issued in Cook County for residents along the Gunflint Trail from the end of the trail east to the south end of Loon Lake due to the John Ek Fire. Homeowners in Cook County should sign up for the emergency alert system CodeRED at https://www.co.cook.mn.us/index.php/2016-04-14-15-58-03. Lake County issued evacuation and pre-evacuation notices due to the Greenwood Fire.

Fire Restrictions: Due to continued long-term drought conditions and limited fire-fighting resources, the Superior National Forest is not allowing campfires within the Forest boundary on National Forest lands. Propane devices with an on/off switch are permitted, including lanterns, stoves, and firepits. Please see Fire Restrictions Order and our Campfire Restrictions FAQ for more information.

The MN Department of Natural Resources has various fire restrictions throughout the state.  The burning restrictions reflect on-the-ground conditions and wildland fire response capacity as assessed on a county-by-county basis. Please see their website for additional details: https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/forestry/fire/index.html 

 

CONTACTS

Superior National Forest Fire Information: For fires being managed directly by the Forest,  please call the fire information number at 218-214-7844 or visit online at: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/, the Superior NF website: www.fs.usda.gov/superior or the Forest Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/SuperiorNF/ .

 

Greenwood Fire: The Greenwood Fire is located north of Greenwood Lake in the Isabella area. A Type 2 Incident Management Team (Eastern Area GOLD Team) is managing the Greenwood Fire and is producing a separate daily fact sheet. For all Greenwood Fire questions, please call 218-499-9441 or email 2021.greewood@firenet.gov

 

John Ek Fire: The John Ek Fire is a lightning caused fire located south of Little Saganaga Lake within the BWCAW. Whelp Fire: The Whelp Fire is located four miles NW of Sawbill Lake within the BWCAW. A Type 3 Incident Management Team (MNICS Team C) is managing the both the John Ek and Whelp Fires and is producing a separate daily fact sheet.  For all John Ek or Whelp fire questions, please call 218-209-2633 or email 2021.johnek@firenet.gov

SAFETY MESSAGE: Several areas of the General Forest including the Gunflint Trail, Crescent Lake, and the Isabella area are being impacted by smoke and fire crew activity. Please avoid recreating in these areas of the Forest to ensure the safety of the public, residents, and firefighters. Thank you.

 

CLOSURES:

Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness Closure: The Superior National Forest has closed the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW) to public use, effective August 21, 2021, (Forest Closure Order 09-09-21-13) due to active and increasing fire activity, extreme drought, and limited personnel. The closure may be modified or extended as conditions allow. This closure includes all lands, waters, trails, portages, campsite, canoe routes and Wilderness entry points in the BWCAW.

The Forest has notified permit holders and outfitters and has extended the cancelled permits through September 3. Permit fees will be fully reimbursed. All overnight paddle, day use and motorized day use is cancelled. The Forest will reopen portions of the Wilderness and/or some uses when it is safe to do so. For details on closure areas, visit the Superior National Forest webpage. With continued fires and a shortage of firefighting resources, these closures allow firefighters to focus on existing fires or new starts without worrying about public safety.

 

EAST ZONE FIRES:

Petit Fire: The Petit Fire is located 1 mile north of Crescent Lake within the BWCAW. It was detected on August 23. The fire was contained and controlled on August 24 and remained at .5 acre in size. Firefighters hiked out from the fire at the end of shift yesterday but will continue to monitor it daily.

 

Gabi Fire: The Gabi Fire is located west of Gabimichigami Lake within the BWCAW.  It was detected on August 23. Yesterday the fire grew slightly from its original .5 acre size. Because of poor access it is currently unstaffed and will continue to be monitored by aircraft.

Clara Island Fire: Clara Lake Island Fire is located 10 miles NNW of Lutsen, outside of the Wilderness. It was detected on August 12 and is the result of an illegal campfire. Aircraft and ground crews will continue to monitor this fire daily.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Canada Fires: Quetico Provincial Park is managing several fires burning across the international border from the BWCAW. Three of those fires have potential to spread into the US near Crooked and Iron lakes.  Fire activity has continued to be very active in Canada due to dry weather and breezy winds. The Forest will continue to conduct daily monitoring flights over the fires and coordinate with counterparts in Ontario. For more information on the fires in Ontario and for an interactive fire map visit: https://www.ontario.ca/page/forest-fires.

Air Quality: The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) has issued numerous air quality alerts this summer due to wildfire activity.  For more information on current air quality conditions and to sign up for daily air quality forecasts visit MPCA’s Air Quality Index webpage.

Evacuations: There are no mandatory evacuations in St. Louis County or Cook County as of 8am today. A pre-evacuation notice has been issued in Cook County for residents along the Gunflint Trail from the end of the trail east to the south end of Loon Lake due to the John Ek Fire. Homeowners in Cook County should sign up for the emergency alert system CodeRED at https://www.co.cook.mn.us/index.php/2016-04-14-15-58-03. Lake County has issued evacuation and pre-evacuation notices due to the Greenwood Fire.

Fire Restrictions: Due to continued long-term drought conditions and limited fire-fighting resources, the Superior National Forest is not allowing campfires within the Forest boundary on National Forest lands. Propane devices with an on/off switch are permitted, including lanterns, stoves, and firepits. Please see Fire Restrictions Order and our Campfire Restrictions FAQ for more information.

The MN Department of Natural Resources has various fire restrictions throughout the state.  The burning restrictions reflect on-the-ground conditions and wildland fire response capacity as assessed on a county-by-county basis. Please see their website for additional details: https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/forestry/fire/index.html   

CONTACTS

Superior National Forest Fire Information: For fires being managed directly by the Forest,  please call the fire information number at 218-214-7844.

 

Greenwood Fire: The Greenwood Fire is located north of Greenwood Lake in the Isabella area. The Type 2 Eastern Area GOLD Team is managing the Greenwood Fire. For Greenwood Fire questions, please call 218-499-9441 or email 2021.greenwood@firenet.gov

 

John Ek Fire: The John Ek Fire is a lightning caused fire located south of Little Saganaga Lake within the BWCAW. Whelp Fire: The Whelp Fire is located four miles NW of Sawbill Lake within the BWCAW. The Type 2 Eastern Area GOLD Team and Type 3 MNICS Team C are managing the John Ek and Whelp Fires.  For John Ek or Whelp fire questions, please call 218-209-2633 or email 2021.johnek@firenet.gov

For Updates on all the fires please visit online at: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/, the Superior NF website: www.fs.usda.gov/superior or the Forest Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/SuperiorNF/ .

 

FORESTWIDE CLOSURES:

Dispersed and Backcountry Site Camping Outside of Developed Campgrounds Closure: Effective August 27, camping on Superior National Forest lands outside of developed campgrounds is prohibited. Day use is allowed on the forest and most developed campgrounds (fee and non-fee) remain open to public use. Closure Order R9-09-21-15 available on the Forest website contains a list of open campgrounds. Forest officials made the decision to enact this closure in the interest of public safety as the forest continues to experience severe to extreme drought, high fire risk and multiple active fires. The Superior National Forest is coordinating with the State of Minnesota who will be implementing similar closures across the Arrowhead Region on August 30 due to the challenging natural resource conditions.

Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW) Closure: The Superior National Forest has closed the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW) to public use, effective August 21, 2021, (Forest Closure Order 09-09-21-13) due to active and increasing fire activity, extreme drought, and limited personnel. The closure may be modified or extended as conditions allow. This closure includes all lands, waters, trails, portages, campsite, canoe routes and Wilderness entry points in the BWCAW.

The Forest has notified permit holders and outfitters and has extended the cancelled permits through September 3. Permit fees will be fully reimbursed. All overnight paddle, day use and motorized day use is cancelled. The Forest will reopen portions of the Wilderness and/or some uses when it is safe to do so. For details on closure areas, visit the Superior National Forest webpage. With continued fires and a shortage of firefighting resources, these closures allow firefighters to focus on existing fires or new starts without worrying about public safety.

EAST ZONE FIRES:

Petit Fire: The Petit Fire was detected on August 23 and is located 1 mile north of Crescent Lake within the BWCAW. The fire is .5 acre in size and was contained on August 24. It is now in monitor status.

 

Gabi Fire: The Gabi Fire was detected on August 23 and is located west of Gabimichigami Lake within the BWCAW.  The fire is .5 acre in size. Because of the remote location and poor access, it has been unstaffed. If the weather allows, a fire crew will be flown to the fire area today.

SAFETY MESSAGE: Recent rainy and cooler weather has slowed fire activity, but several areas of the Superior National Forest have only received small amounts of rainfall. Fire danger will remain high to extreme due to the drought conditions when this weather moves out and dry windy conditions return. Several areas of the forest are being impacted by smoke and fire crew activity. Please be cautious when recreating on the forest to ensure the safety of the public, residents, and firefighters.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Canada Fires: Quetico Provincial Park is managing several fires burning across the international border from the BWCAW. Three of those fires have potential to spread into the US near Crooked and Iron lakes.  The fires in Quetico and near the border continue to be very active several miles north of the border in Canada. The Forest will continue to conduct daily monitoring flights over the fires as conditions allow and coordinate with counterparts in Ontario. For more information on the fires in Ontario and for an interactive fire map visit: https://www.ontario.ca/page/forest-fires.

Air Quality: An Air Resource Advisor has been assigned to make daily smoke forecasts for locations in Northeastern Minnesota.  The forecast can be found at https://wildlandfiresmoke.net/outlooks/Minnesota

The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) has issued numerous air quality alerts this summer due to wildfire activity.  For more information on current air quality conditions and to sign up for daily air quality forecasts visit MPCA’s Air Quality Index webpage.

Fire Restrictions: Due to continued long-term drought conditions and limited fire-fighting resources, the Superior National Forest is not allowing campfires within the Forest boundary on National Forest lands. Propane devices with an on/off switch are permitted, including lanterns, stoves, and firepits. Please see Fire Restrictions Order and our Campfire Restrictions FAQ for more information.

The MN Department of Natural Resources has various fire restrictions throughout the state.  The burning restrictions reflect on-the-ground conditions and wildland fire response capacity as assessed on a county-by-county basis. Please see their website for additional details: https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/forestry/fire/index.html 

 SEE MAPS TAB FOR THE CLOSURE ORDERS
 
 

National Forest System lands on the East end of the Gunflint Trail: The Superior National Forest has closed National Forest system lands along the upper portion of the Gunflint Trail, effective August 24, 2021 (Forest Closure Order 09-09-21-14) due to fires in the vicinity and limited availability of firefighting resources. This closure includes all forest lands along Cook County 12/Gunflint Trail beginning at the Cook County 92 Intersection to the end of the Gunflint Trail at Trails End Campground. The Trails End and Iron Lake Campgrounds are included in this closure. Campground reservations have been cancelled and refunded through August 31. The Forest will reevaluate this closure and determine whether or not it needs to be extended due to active fires.

Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW) Closure: The Superior National Forest has closed the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW) to public use, effective August 21, 2021, (Forest Closure Order 09-09-21-13) due to active and increasing fire activity, extreme drought, and limited personnel. The closure may be modified or extended as conditions allow. This closure includes all lands, waters, trails, portages, campsite, canoe routes and Wilderness entry points in the BWCAW.

The Forest has notified permit holders and outfitters and has extended the cancelled permits through September 3. Permit fees will be fully reimbursed. All overnight paddle, day use and motorized day use is cancelled. The Forest will reopen portions of the Wilderness and/or some uses when it is safe to do so. For details on closure areas, visit the Superior National Forest webpage. With continued fires and a shortage of firefighting resources, these closures allow firefighters to focus on existing fires or new starts without worrying about public safety.

 

CONTACTS

Superior National Forest Fire Information: For fires being managed directly by the Forest please call the fire information number at 218-214-7844 or visit online at: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/, the Superior NF website: www.fs.usda.gov/superior or the Forest Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/SuperiorNF/ .

 

Greenwood Fire: The Greenwood Fire is located north of Greenwood Lake in the Isabella area. The Type 2 Eastern Area GOLD Team is managing the Greenwood Fire. For all Greenwood Fire questions, please call 218-499-9441 or email 2021.greewood@firenet.gov

 

John Ek Fire: The John Ek Fire is a lightning caused fire located south of Little Saganaga Lake within the BWCAW. Whelp Fire: The Whelp Fire is located four miles NW of Sawbill Lake within the BWCAW. The Type 3 MNICS Team C is managing the both the John Ek and Whelp Fires.  For all John Ek or Whelp fire questions, please call 218-209-2633 or email 2021.johnek@firenet.gov

 

CLOSURES:

National Forest System lands on the East end of the Gunflint Trail: The Superior National Forest has closed National Forest system lands along the upper portion of the Gunflint Trail, effective August 24, 2021 (Forest Closure Order 09-09-21-14) due to fires in the vicinity and limited availability of firefighting resources. This closure includes all forest lands along Cook County 12/Gunflint Trail beginning at the Cook County 92 Intersection to the end of the Gunflint Trail at Trails End Campground. The Trails End and Iron Lake Campgrounds are included in this closure. Campground reservations have been cancelled and refunded through August 31. The Forest will reevaluate this closure and determine whether or not it needs to be extended due to active fires.

Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW) Closure: The Superior National Forest has closed the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW) to public use, effective August 21, 2021, (Forest Closure Order 09-09-21-13) due to active and increasing fire activity, extreme drought, and limited personnel. The closure may be modified or extended as conditions allow. This closure includes all lands, waters, trails, portages, campsite, canoe routes and Wilderness entry points in the BWCAW.

The Forest has notified permit holders and outfitters and has extended the cancelled permits through September 3. Permit fees will be fully reimbursed. All overnight paddle, day use and motorized day use is cancelled. The Forest will reopen portions of the Wilderness and/or some uses when it is safe to do so. For details on closure areas, visit the Superior National Forest webpage. With continued fires and a shortage of firefighting resources, these closures allow firefighters to focus on existing fires or new starts without worrying about public safety.

 

EAST ZONE FIRES:

Petit Fire: The Petit Fire was detected on August 23 and is located 1 mile north of Crescent Lake within the BWCAW. The fire is .5 acre in size. Firefighters were able to contain the fire on August 24. It will be checked by ground crews again today.

 

Gabi Fire: The Gabi Fire was detected on August 23 and is located west of Gabimichigami Lake within the BWCAW.  The fire is .5 acre in size. Because of the remote location and poor access, it is currently unstaffed. A flight is planned for today to look for opportunities where firefighters could be safely sent in on the ground to start working on this fire.

SAFETY MESSAGE: Several areas of the General Forest including the Gunflint Trail, Crescent Lake, and the Isabella area are being impacted by smoke and fire crew activity. Please avoid recreating in these areas of the Forest to ensure the safety of the public, residents, and firefighters. Thank you.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Canada Fires: Quetico Provincial Park is managing several fires burning across the international border from the BWCAW. Three of those fires have potential to spread into the US near Crooked and Iron lakes.  Fire activity near the border has cooled down recently but fire activity continues to be very active several miles north of the border in Canada. The Forest will continue to conduct daily monitoring flights over the fires and coordinate with counterparts in Ontario. For more information on the fires in Ontario and for an interactive fire map visit: https://www.ontario.ca/page/forest-fires.

Air Quality: An Air Resource Advisor has been assigned to make daily smoke forecasts for locations in Northeastern Minnesota.  The forecast can be found at https://wildlandfiresmoke.net/outlooks/Minnesota

The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) has issued numerous air quality alerts this summer due to wildfire activity.  For more information on current air quality conditions and to sign up for daily air quality forecasts visit MPCA’s Air Quality Index webpage.

Evacuations: There are no mandatory evacuations in St. Louis County or Cook County as of 8am today. A pre-evacuation notice has been issued in Cook County for residents along the Gunflint Trail from the end of the trail east to the south end of Loon Lake due to the John Ek Fire. Homeowners in Cook County should sign up for the emergency alert system CodeRED at https://www.co.cook.mn.us/index.php/2016-04-14-15-58-03. Lake County issued evacuation and pre-evacuation notices due to the Greenwood Fire.

Fire Restrictions: Due to continued long-term drought conditions and limited fire-fighting resources, the Superior National Forest is not allowing campfires within the Forest boundary on National Forest lands. Propane devices with an on/off switch are permitted, including lanterns, stoves, and firepits. Please see Fire Restrictions Order and our Campfire Restrictions FAQ for more information.

The MN Department of Natural Resources has various fire restrictions throughout the state.  The burning restrictions reflect on-the-ground conditions and wildland fire response capacity as assessed on a county-by-county basis. Please see their website for additional details: https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/forestry/fire/index.html 

CONTACTS

Superior National Forest Fire Information: For fires being managed directly by the Forest, please call the fire information number at 218-214-7844 or visit online at: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/, the Superior NF website: www.fs.usda.gov/superior or the Forest Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/SuperiorNF/ .

 

Greenwood Fire: The Greenwood Fire is located north of Greenwood Lake in the Isabella area. A Type 2 Incident Management Team (Eastern Area GOLD Team) is managing the Greenwood Fire and is producing a separate daily fact sheet. For all Greenwood Fire questions, please call 218-499-9441 or email 2021.greewood@firenet.gov

 

John Ek Fire: The John Ek Fire is a lightning caused fire located south of Little Saganaga Lake within the BWCAW. Whelp Fire: The Whelp Fire is located four miles NW of Sawbill Lake within the BWCAW. A Type 3 Incident Management Team (MNICS Team C) is managing the both the John Ek and Whelp Fires and is producing a separate daily fact sheet.  For all John Ek or Whelp fire questions, please call 218-209-2633 or email 2021.johnek@firenet.gov

SAFETY MESSAGE: Several areas of the General Forest including the Gunflint Trail, Crescent Lake, and the Isabella area are being impacted by smoke and fire crew activity. Please avoid recreating in these areas of the Forest to ensure the safety of the public, residents, and firefighters. Thank you.

CLOSURES:

Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness Closure: The Superior National Forest has closed the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW) to public use, effective August 21, 2021, (Forest Closure Order 09-09-21-13) due to active and increasing fire activity, extreme drought, and limited personnel. The closure may be modified or extended as conditions allow. This closure includes all lands, waters, trails, portages, campsite, canoe routes and Wilderness entry points in the BWCAW.

The Forest has notified permit holders and outfitters and has extended the cancelled permits through September 3. Permit fees will be fully reimbursed. All overnight paddle, day use and motorized day use is cancelled. The Forest will reopen portions of the Wilderness and/or some uses when it is safe to do so. For details on closure areas, visit the Superior National Forest webpage. With continued fires and a shortage of firefighting resources, these closures allow firefighters to focus on existing fires or new starts without worrying about public safety.

EAST ZONE FIRES:

Petit Fire: The Petit Fire is located 1 mile north of Crescent Lake within the BWCAW. It was detected on August 23. The fire was contained and controlled on August 24 and remained at .5 acre in size. Firefighters hiked out from the fire at the end of shift yesterday but will continue to monitor it daily.

 

Gabi Fire: The Gabi Fire is located west of Gabimichigami Lake within the BWCAW.  It was detected on August 23. Yesterday the fire grew slightly from its original .5 acre size. Because of poor access it is currently unstaffed and will continue to be monitored by aircraft.

Clara Island Fire: Clara Lake Island Fire is located 10 miles NNW of Lutsen, outside of the Wilderness. It was detected on August 12 and is the result of an illegal campfire. Aircraft and ground crews will continue to monitor this fire daily.  

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Canada Fires: Quetico Provincial Park is managing several fires burning across the international border from the BWCAW. Three of those fires have potential to spread into the US near Crooked and Iron lakes.  Fire activity has continued to be very active in Canada due to dry weather and breezy winds. The Forest will continue to conduct daily monitoring flights over the fires and coordinate with counterparts in Ontario. For more information on the fires in Ontario and for an interactive fire map visit: https://www.ontario.ca/page/forest-fires.

Air Quality: The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) has issued numerous air quality alerts this summer due to wildfire activity.  For more information on current air quality conditions and to sign up for daily air quality forecasts visit MPCA’s Air Quality Index webpage.

Evacuations: There are no mandatory evacuations in St. Louis County or Cook County as of 8am today. A pre-evacuation notice has been issued in Cook County for residents along the Gunflint Trail from the end of the trail east to the south end of Loon Lake due to the John Ek Fire. Homeowners in Cook County should sign up for the emergency alert system CodeRED at https://www.co.cook.mn.us/index.php/2016-04-14-15-58-03. Lake County has issued evacuation and pre-evacuation notices due to the Greenwood Fire.  

Fire Restrictions: Due to continued long-term drought conditions and limited fire-fighting resources, the Superior National Forest is not allowing campfires within the Forest boundary on National Forest lands. Propane devices with an on/off switch are permitted, including lanterns, stoves, and firepits. Please see Fire Restrictions Order and our Campfire Restrictions FAQ for more information.

The MN Department of Natural Resources has various fire restrictions throughout the state.  The burning restrictions reflect on-the-ground conditions and wildland fire response capacity as assessed on a county-by-county basis. Please see their website for additional details: https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/forestry/fire/index.html

 Superior National Forest Fire Information: For fires being managed directly by the Forest,  please call the Fire Information Number at 218-214-7844 or visit online at: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/, the Superior NF website: www.fs.usda.gov/superior or the Forest Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/SuperiorNF/ 

Greenwood Fire Information: please call 218-499-9441 or email 2021.greewood@firenet.gov

John Ek and Whelp Fire Information: please call 218-209-2633 or email 2021.johnek@firenet.gov

Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness Closure: The Superior National Forest has closed the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW) to public use, effective August 21, 2021, (Forest Closure Order 09-09-21-13) due to active and increasing fire activity, extreme drought, limited resources. The closure will be in place for seven days and may be modified or extended as conditions allow. This closure includes all lands, waters, trails, portages, campsite, canoe routes and Wilderness entry points in the BWCAW. The Forest has notified permit holders and outfitters and has cancelled permits through August 27. Permit fees will be fully reimbursed. All overnight paddle, day use and motorized day use is cancelled. All groups currently in the BWCAW will need to start exiting in a safe and orderly manner when they are notified. The Forest will reopen portions of the Wilderness and/or some uses when it is safe to do so. For details on closure areas, visit the Superior National Forest webpage. With continued fires and a shortage of firefighting resources, these closures allow firefighters to focus on existing fires or new starts without worrying about public safety.

Greenwood Fire: The Greenwood Fire was extremely active yesterday and increased in size. A Type 2 Incident Management Team (Eastern Area GOLD Team) is managing the Greenwood Fire and is producing a separate daily fact sheet.

John Ek Fire: The John Ek Fire is a lightning caused fire located south of Little Saganaga Lake within the BWCAW. It was very active yesterday and estimated to be 1500 acres in size.

Whelp Fire: The Whelp Fire is located four miles NW of Sawbill Lake and was active yesterday and estimated to be 50 acres in size. A Type 3 Incident Management Team (MNICS Team C) is managing the both the John Ek and Whelp Fires and is producing a separate daily fact sheet.

SAFETY MESSAGE: Several areas of the General Forest including the Gunflint Trail, Crescent Lake, and the Isabella area are being impacted by smoke and fire crew activity. Please avoid recreating in these areas of the General Forest to ensure the safety of the public, residents, and firefighters. Thank you.

East Zone Fires:  During the afternoon of August 23, two new wildfires (Petit and Gabi) were detected on the Tofte Ranger District. 

Petit Fire: The Petit Fire is located 1 mile north of Crescent Lake within the BWCAW.  It is currently .5 acre in size and a crew is on site working to suppress the fire.  Aircraft were initially used to knock down flames and limit the spread. The crew will continue to be on site working on the fire.

Gabi Fire: The Gabi Fire is located west of Gabimichigami Lake within the BWCAW.  A helicopter conducted water bucket drops on the fire yesterday afternoon.  It is currently estimated to be .5 acre in size. Because of poor access it is currently unstaffed and will be monitored by aircraft.

Clara Island Fire: Clara Lake Island Fire is located 10 miles NNW of Lutsen, outside of the Wilderness. It was detected on August 12 and is the result of an illegal campfire. The sprinkler system installed this week has been very effective. Aircraft and ground crews will continue to monitor this fire daily

Canada Fires: Quetico Provincial Park is managing several fires burning across the international border from the BWCAW. Three of those fires have potential to spread into the US near Crooked and Iron lakes.  Fire activity has continued to be very active in Canada this week due to dry weather and breezy winds. On Sunday, August 22, a Canadian fire crew conducted a burnout operation near the boundary and Curtain Falls to remove fuels ahead of the fire. Flights over the area yesterday observed that the fire has moved up to the north shore of Iron Lake and Curtain Falls but has not crossed the border. The Forest will continue to conduct daily monitoring flights over the fires and coordinate with counterparts in Ontario. For more information on the fires in Ontario and for an interactive fire map visit: https://www.ontario.ca/page/forest-fires.

Air Quality: The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) has issued numerous air quality alerts this summer due to wildfire activity.  For more information on current air quality conditions in your area and to sign up for daily air quality forecasts visit MPCA’s Air Quality Index webpage.

Evacuations: There are no mandatory evacuations in St. Louis County or Cook County as of 8am today. A pre-evacuation notice has been issued in Cook County for residents along the Gunflint Trail from the end of the trail east to the south end of Loon Lake due to the John Ek Fire. Homeowners in Cook County should sign up for the emergency alert system CodeRED at https://www.co.cook.mn.us/index.php/2016-04-14-15-58-03. Evacuation and pre-evacuation notices have been issued in Lake County due to the Greenwood Fire.

Fire Restrictions: Due to continued long-term drought conditions and limited fire-fighting resources, the Superior National Forest is not allowing campfires within the Forest boundary on National Forest lands. Propane devices with an on/off switch are permitted, including lanterns, stoves, and firepits. Please see Fire Restrictions Order and our Campfire Restrictions FAQ for more information.

The MN Department of Natural Resources has various fire restrictions throughout the state.  The burning restrictions reflect on-the-ground conditions and wildland fire response capacity as assessed on a county-by-county basis. Please see their website for additional details: https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/forestry/fire/index.html 

  

Wildfire FACT SHEET for August 25, 2021
Superior National Forest Managed Fires

CONTACTS

Superior National Forest Fire Information: For fires being managed directly by the Forest please call the fire information number at 218-214-7844 or visit online at: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/, the Superior NF website: www.fs.usda.gov/superior or the Forest Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/SuperiorNF/ .

Fourtown Lake Fire: The Fourtown Lake Fire was first detected on July 25 approximately 12 miles N of Ely within the BWCAW. The fire remains within containment lines at 265-acres but still shows some smoke. The fire will continue to be monitored by aircraft. 

 

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Canada Fires: Quetico Provincial Park is managing several fires burning across the international border from the BWCAW. Three of those fires have potential to spread into the US near Crooked and Iron lakes.  Fire activity has continued to be very active in Canada due to dry weather and breezy winds. The Forest will continue to conduct daily monitoring flights over the fires and coordinate with counterparts in Ontario. For more information on the fires in Ontario and for an interactive fire map visit: https://www.ontario.ca/page/forest-fires.

 

Air Quality: The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) has issued numerous air quality alerts this summer due to wildfire activity.  For more information on current air quality conditions and to sign up for daily air quality forecasts visit MPCA’s Air Quality Index webpage.

 

Evacuations: There are no mandatory evacuations in St. Louis County or Cook County as of 8am today. A pre-evacuation notice has been issued in Cook County for residents along the Gunflint Trail from the end of the trail east to the south end of Loon Lake due to the John Ek Fire. Homeowners in Cook County should sign up for the emergency alert system CodeRED at https://www.co.cook.mn.us/index.php/2016-04-14-15-58-03. Lake County has issued evacuation and pre-evacuation notices due to the Greenwood Fire.

 

Fire Restrictions: Due to continued long-term drought conditions and limited fire-fighting resources, the Superior National Forest is not allowing campfires within the Forest boundary on National Forest lands. Propane devices with an on/off switch are permitted, including lanterns, stoves, and firepits. Please see Fire Restrictions Order and our Campfire Restrictions FAQ for more information.

 

The MN Department of Natural Resources has various fire restrictions throughout the state.  The burning restrictions reflect on-the-ground conditions and wildland fire response capacity as assessed on a county-by-county basis. Please see their website for additional details: https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/forestry/fire/index.html

 

 Wildfire FACT SHEET for August 26, 2021 Superior National Forest Managed Fires

CONTACTS

Superior National Forest Fire Information: For fires being managed directly by the Forest please call the fire information number at 218-214-7844 or visit online at: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/, the Superior NF website: www.fs.usda.gov/superior or the Forest Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/SuperiorNF/ 
  Fourtown Lake Fire: The Fourtown Lake Fire was first detected on July 25 approximately 12 miles N  of Ely within the BWCAW. The fire remains within containment lines at 265-acres but still shows  some smoke. The fire will continue to be monitored by aircraft.
SAFETY MESSAGE: Several areas of the General Forest including the Gunflint Trail, Crescent Lake,  and the Isabella area are being impacted by smoke and fire crew activity. Please avoid recreating  in these areas of the Forest to ensure the safety of the public, residents, and firefighters. Thank  you.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Canada Fires: Quetico Provincial Park is managing several fires burning across the international  border from the BWCAW. Three of those fires have potential to spread into the US near Crooked and  Iron lakes. Fire activity near the border has cooled down recently but fire activity continues to  be very active several miles north of the border in Canada. The Forest will continue to conduct  daily monitoring flights over the fires and coordinate with counterparts in Ontario. For more  information on the fires in Ontario and for an interactive fire map visit:  https://www.ontario.ca/page/forest-fires.

Air Quality:  An Air Resource Advisor has been assigned to make daily smoke forecasts for locations 
in Northeastern Minnesota.  The forecast can be found at  https://wildlandfiresmoke.net/outlooks/Minnesota
The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) has issued numerous air quality alerts this summer 
due to wildfire activity.  For more information on current air quality conditions and to sign up  for daily air quality forecasts visit MPCA’s Air Quality Index webpage.
Evacuations: There are no mandatory evacuations in St. Louis County or Cook County as of 8am today. 
A pre-evacuation notice has been issued in Cook County for residents along the Gunflint Trail from  the end of the trail east to the south end of Loon Lake due to the John Ek Fire. Homeowners in Cook  County should sign up for the emergency alert system CodeRED at  https://www.co.cook.mn.us/index.php/2016- 04-14-15-58-03. Lake County issued evacuation and  pre-evacuation notices due to the Greenwood Fire.
Fire Restrictions: Due to continued long-term drought conditions and limited fire-fighting 
resources, the Superior National Forest is not allowing campfires within the Forest boundary on  National Forest lands. Propane devices with an on/off switch are permitted, including lanterns,  stoves, and firepits. Please see Fire Restrictions Order and our Campfire Restrictions FAQ for more  information

The MN Department of Natural Resources has various fire restrictions throughout the state.  The  burning restrictions reflect on-the-ground conditions and wildland fire response capacity as  assessed on a county- by-county basis. Please see their website for additional details:  https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/forestry/fire/index.html

  Forest Service Superior National Forest