BWCAW: Fire Info

The use of campfires in the BWCAW is more controlled than in other popular canoeing areas due to the massive blow down of trees in the forest that occurred on July 4, 1999. Since that event, the U.S. Forest Service, which manages the wilderness, has attempted to moderate wildfire risk with controlled burning. Recent wildfires have also reduced the fuel load.

Paddlers in the BWCAW are advised to keep abreast of wildfire conditions via the USFS’s BWCAW web site. Paddlers can plan trips using this USFS map which outlines restricted and unrestricted fire areas in the wilderness. As always, visitors are encouraged to use gas or propane cook stoves to reduce impacts to the wilderness.

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