Campfire Ban Starts Today For Parts Of Northern Minnesota

Wildfires continue to burn in parts of Northern Minnesota. The Minnesota DNR has now restricted campfires on all private and public land in sections of Northern Minnesota.

Campfire Ban 12:01 PM, Monday, July 20, 2026

The campfire ban takes effect at 12:01 PM on Monday, July 20. It's very rare that the DNR issues elevated burning restrictions. This action is reserved only for times of intense wildfire risk. The restrictions are to protect life and property.

The ban is for Cook, Lake, Koochiching, and northern St. Louis County, where fires continue to burn, and the wildfire risk is severe.

Minnesota DNR

Today's forecast for Ely, Minnesota is hot, windy, and with a chance of thunderstorms. Today's high will be in the 80s, and it will be windy, with gusts up to 30 MPH.

State Parks Included In Campfire Ban

State parks affected by this campfire ban are Bear Head Lake, Cascade River, Franze Jevne, George H. Crosby Manitou, Goosberry Falls, Grand Portage, Judge CR Magnye, Lake Vermilion-Soudan Underground Mine, McCarthy Beach, Scenic, Split Rock Lighthouse, and Tettegouche.

All of the state waysides along the North Shore are also restricted from campfires.

The Minnesota State Parks and Trails will be contacting campers with reservations at the state parks listed, and they ask that you keep an eye on your inbox.

Campfires and camping usually go hand-in-hand in Northern Minnesota, but with the dangerous conditions, it certainly makes sense. Crews are stretched thin, and there is speculation that some of these fires in the remote areas of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area could burn until snow falls this winter. They are being fueled by heat, high winds, and often start with lightning strikes.

You can stay up to date with burning restrictions from the Minnesota DNR's website.