Natural Fire in the Wilderness

Visitors to the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness have the opportunity to witness the evidence of many natural forces at work in the constantly changing forest ecosystem. Wind, rain, snow, ice and sun have left their impact on the wilderness landscape. Perhaps the most dramatic change, however, results from fire. For centuries, lightning strikes have ignited fires which have affected the vegetation and wildlife habitat of the BWCAW.

Recognize that lightning fires have a natural role withing the wilderness, the Forest Service has implemented a policy of allowing some lightning fire to burn without being suppressed if conditions are within certain limits. Such fires are called "prescribed" if the location, risks to property and public safety, weather factors and other conditions are within "prescribed" limits. Fires which are not within prescription and all human-caused fires will be suppressed.

Visitor Safety Tips

Efforts will be made to inform the public of current fire activity. Notices will be posted at canoe landings and Forest Service field crews will often be knowledgeable of the fire situation. Local offices, buisnesses and the media will be notified about fire activity.

As a visitor you may encounter natural fires. At times, Forest Service personnel may not be present at the site, although all fires will be managed and under some form of surveillance. If you choose to observe the fire, please do so from a safe distance. Consider the following safety tips:

  • Fires normally move in the same direction as the wind. Take note of the wind direction and find a safe location away from the fire's path. Obviously, do not camp near or directly downwind from a fire.
  • Be carefull while visiting a recent burn area. Ashes may remain hot for days and there is a danger of falling snags and tree limbs.
  • Do not attemt to put a prescription fire out. As a natural fire, it is part of the wilderness. It is there for you and others to observe and will bring ecological changes which are consistent with wilderness management.
  • Fires may smolders and burn very slowly for days or even weeks without much increase in size. Wheather conditions can change quickly, however, causing dramatic and dangerous increases in fire size. Please respect all fire as potentially dangerous.

    • Wilderness fire will bring positive benifits by reducing heavy fuel accumulations, creating favorable wildlife habitat, changing the landscape, improving berry picking opportunities, etc. On the other hand, fire can also be devestating and visitors are asked to responsible in preventing human-caused fires. though we are learning to use fire more to our benefit, the long standing Smokey Bear message of fire prevention is still valid. Please be carefull

    U.S. GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE 743-605

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