Improvements to drought conditions allowed the U.S. Forest Service to lift last week’s emergency BWCA campfire ban. The new regulations will come into effect on Friday, June 12.
Dry weather early in the month increased wildfire risk across the region. Temporary burning restrictions came into effect on June 6, lasting throughout the following week.
Fire danger has dropped across northern St. Louis and Lake counties with the region’s recent rainfall, allowing three wildfires to reach containment — the Birch Bay, Loon Lake and Tiger Fires — and encouraging the Forest Service to lift the campfire ban.
The ban was initially set to end on June 30, unless conditions allowed for an early rescindment or required extension further into the summer.
The Forest Service advises visitors to check on current fire conditions and regulations prior to visiting the BWCA, and to take standard precautions when starting campfires to ensure fire safety.
