Burn ban on in the Superior National Forest

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