DULUTH, MN (KDAL) – The Superior National Forest has closed a portion of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area where the wildfire near Spice Lake continues to burn.
The emergency order prohibits visitors at specific campsites, portages and lakes in the area around the fire.
Other areas in the BWCA remain open but campfire restrictions are in place as severe drought conditions continue across much of northern Minnesota.
At last report, the Spice Lake fire remains about 30 acres in size and is being fought from the air and on the ground.
The closure could be modified or extended depending on conditions.
The Forest Order closures include:
- All trails, portages, rivers, and lakes within the closure area (see in Exhibit A), including but not limited to 47 locations as noted.
- All zones of the of the Pitfall Pristine Management Area (1 through 3), and the Mugwump Pristine Management Area (1 through 5).
- The Kekekabic Trail- the area from the BWCAW boundary west of the Gunflint Trail to the series of portages between Thomas Lake and Ima Lake (see Exhibit A).
