All campfires now prohibited in BWCA

Baihly Warfield

A campfire in the BWCA, which is banned as of July 21.[WDIO-TV/File]

The Superior National Forest is tightening fire restrictions further. Starting Thursday, no campfires will be allowed at all on Forest land or in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area, even in designated fire rings.

Propane or gas devices with an on/off switch will be permitted. That includes stoves, lanterns, and firepits.

There are no longer any exemptions for having fires.

"The Forest Supervisor is restricting campfires across the entire Forest given currently active fires, dry and stressed vegetation and fire risk, and the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources recent statewide drought warning," a press release read.

The SNF is also asking people not to drive vehicles or ATVs over tall, dry grass and to check for dragging chains on campers or trailers.