Burn ban on in the Superior National Forest
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The Forest Service is prohibiting any burning in the Superior National Forest with some exceptions.
A spokesperson said that’s due to dry conditions, current fire activity, and limited resources.
People cannot have a campfire or use charcoal grills or wood burning stoves.
Exceptions include:
- Campfires in structures installed and maintained by the Forest Service
- People using a pressurized liquid or gas stove or grill
- People with a permit specifically authorizing the burning
- Federal, state, and local officers
The Forest Service said noncompliance could mean fines of up to $5,000 for individuals or $10,000 for organizations.
There are currently four fires burning in the Superior National Forest:
- Delta Fire: 62 acres
- South of Snowbank Lake, 19 miles east of Ely
- Burning in heavy blowdown
- Believed to be caused by lightning
- Hassel Fire: 10 acres
- West of Crab Lake and Burntside Lake, 10 miles northeast of Tower
- Originally reported June 4, has been on "patrol and monitor" status
- More fire activity reported July 8
- Astray Fire: 1 acre
- East of Clearwater Lake inside BWCA, 11 miles east of Ely
- Presumed to be caused by lightning
- Picketts Lake Fire: 1/10th acre
- South of Picketts Lake, 4 miles northeast of Ely
- Presumed to be started by lightning
An incident command team has taken over management of all four fires as of Friday evening.
Two BWCA entry points are closed:
- No. 56: Kekekabic Trail East
- No. 74: Kekekabic Trail West/Snowbank
There are also closed campsites, lakes and portages in the BWCA:
- Parent
- Disappointment
- Jitterbug
- Ahsub
- Becoosin
- Benezie
- Adventure
- Rifle
- Bridge
- Fire
- Drag Primitive Management Area