Forest Service removes Spice Lake Fire closure order

The U.S. Forest Service is removing the Spice Lake Fire closure order #09-09-23-04 for the area within the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness affected by the closure.

Specific lakes and portages will be reopened when termination of the emergency closure order goes into effect beginning at 12:01 a.m. on Friday, June 30.

Recent cooler weather and precipitation has moved fire managers to categorizing the Spice Lake Fire as now 100 percent controlled.

A fire is considered controlled when the control line has been strengthened and secured making it unlikely for the fire to escape the bounds of the line.

Firefighters have cooled all hotspots adjacent to the line and removed any unburnt fuel in the area surrounding the line.

Please be aware that forest fires can make remaining standing trees unstable and potentially fall over due to burnt roots within and around the fire area. Please use caution if traveling near the fire area.

In addition, the Forest Service wants to welcome all visitors for the upcoming Fourth of July holiday. Reminder-fireworks are not allowed on National Forest System lands such as the Superior National Forest, which includes the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. For a safe and memorable holiday, please leave all fireworks and pyrotechnic devices at home (36 CFR 261.52(f).

Campfire restriction Forest Order 09-09-23-02 remains in effect.