Officials open more camping areas near Pagami Creek fire

More of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness has been reopened to winter campers near where the Pagami Creek fire burned last fall.

Earlier this week Superior National Forest officials said they are allowing access to several lakes and areas adjacent to and outside the burned area. Areas most impacted by the fire will remain closed, however, because of the danger of burned trees that can fall unexpectedly in winds.

Meanwhile, quotas have been lowered for seven of the BWCAW entry points where the fire impacted campsites. Approximately 114 campsites were affected by the fire, although most received light to moderate effects.

The current lottery for reserving permits for Fall Lake entry points D and 24 and Moose Lake entry points F, G and 25 closes Jan. 19. The lottery will run on Jan. 20.

Reservations for remaining permits for these five entry points along with all other BWCAW entry points can be made on a first-come, first-served basis starting 9 a.m. Jan. 25. For details go to www.recreation.gov.

Superior Forest officials also noted that some small wildfires have occurred in recent days, apparently from unattended fires left by winter visitors. They urged extreme caution due to extremely dry and low-snow conditions in parts of the forest.

Information regarding current conditions, closures and quotas along with what to expect if you camp in the burned area is available at www.fs.usda.gov/superior or by calling (218) 626-4300.