Forest Order 09-09-25-05: Brimson Complex Emergency Closure

Associated Documents

Forest Order

EMERGENCY CLOSURE ORDER

09-09-25-05

Brimson Complex Fire Closure

Restricting Occupancy and Use, to Wit:

Prohibitions

Pursuant to the provisions of 16 U.S.C. § 551, and 36 C.F.R. §§ 261.50 (a) and (b), the following acts are prohibited in the Superior National Forest, due to hazards on portions of lands and trails in St Louis County and Lake County, Minnesota. These restrictions will go into effect under 09-09-25-05 at 15:01 p.m. CT on Wednesday, May 13, 2025.

The following are prohibited:

It is prohibited to enter the area depicted in Exhibit B map and more specifically described in Exhibit A pursuant to 36 CFR 261.53(e). This includes all roads and trails in the area defined and which are posted closed as specifically described in Exhibit A pursuant to 36 C.F.R. 261.55(a) - Being on the Trail and 36 C.F.R. 261.54(e) – Being on the Road.

These emergency restrictions are necessary for the public's health and safety due to wildland fires in the vicinity of the affected lands, roads, waters, trails, and all recreation sites. These restrictions will remain in effect for as long as they are posted on-site and until terminated by the forest supervisor.

Exemptions

Pursuant to 36 C.F.R. § 261.50(e), the following persons are exempt from this Order:

1. Persons with permit specifically authorizing the otherwise prohibited act or commission (36 CFR 261.50(e)(1)).
2. Any Federal, State, or local officer, or member of any organized rescue or fire fighting force in the performance of an official duty (36 CFR 261.50(e)(4)).
3. Persons engaged in a business, trade or occupation in the area, when authorized and when accompanied by a Forest Officer or official member of the Incident Command Team (36 CFR 261.50(e)(5)).

Purpose

The purpose of this Order is to protect public health and safety.

Implementation

1. This Order will be effective on May 13, 2025 at 15:01 pm CT, and shall remain in effect until rescinded.
2. A list of identified locations and a map identifying the Restricted Area is attached and made part of this Order as Exhibit A & B.
3. Any violation of this prohibition is punishable as a Class B misdemeanor by a fine of not more than $5,000 for individuals and $10,000 for organizations, or by imprisonment for not more than six (6) months, or both (see 16 U.S.C. § 551, 18 U.S.C. § 3571(b)(6), 18 U.S.C. § 3581 (b)(7)).
4. Further information regarding this Order may be obtained at the Superior National Forest Supervisor’s Office located in Duluth, telephone number 218-626-4300.
5. This Order supersedes any previous orders prohibiting the same acts covered by this Order.

Implementation and Enforcement Plan

Public Notice

• Copies of the approved closure order shall be made available to the public at the Superior National Forest Headquarters (Forest Supervisor’s Office).
• Contents of the approved closure order shall be posted on the Superior National Forest website Alerts at https://www.fs.usda.gov/r09/superior
• A news release describing the prohibited acts of the order shall be published in local newspapers via press release/ fact sheet release.
  • News Release May 23
• Information will be shared with the public via local radio stations and social media.
• Signs shall be posted at those locations identified by field personnel as being areas likely to be used by the public in violation of the closure order.

Enforcement

• Enforcement of the closure order shall be limited to Law Enforcement personnel and Forest Protection Officers who hold an up-to-date certification.
• Regular patrols of the areas closed by the order shall be conducted by law enforcement personnel.
• Officers and Forest Protection Officers shall exercise appropriate discretion when issuing warnings or violation notices.
• All violations of the order shall be documented using the appropriate law enforcement forms (5300-1 incident report) or (5300-4-violation notice).

Exhibit A - Restricted Areas

The following area is closed within the Superior National Forest are based on Forest Order 09-09-25-05 for the Brimson Complex Fire. 

This Forest Order Closure applies to all trails and roads within the area:

• From FR 113 South to FR 120 (Skibo Rd)
• From FR 120 (Skibo Rd) West to St. Louis County Road 569
• From St. Louis Country Road 569 West to St. Louis County Road 110

This Forest Order Closure applies to the following recreation sites within the area note in Exhibit B Map: (Updated May 23, 2025)

Boating Sites:

• Cadotte Lake Boat Access
• Salo Lake Boat Access
• Stone Lake Carry Down

Campgrounds:

• Cadotte Lake and trail Spurs A-L

Trails/Trailheads:

• Butterball Lake
• Jenkins Creek Hunter Walking Trail – Spurs A-D
• Stone/ Big Lake Spur A-B

Other Recreation Sites:

• Cadotte Lake Fishing Pier
• Skibo Vista Observation Site
• Cadotte Lake picnic area
• Salo Lake Picnic area
• Cadotte Lake Swim Site

As supported by Exhibit B – Map. Areas no longer listed are now open.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. Why is there going to be a closure for a wildfire?  

A. A closure order is needed to prioritize safety: Firefighter and public safety are the top priorities. Superior National Forest (SNF) management also considered other factors that determined the need for a necessary closure order including above average temperatures, forest drought conditions, extended forecast conditions, availability of firefighting resources, and vegetative fuel conditions in and around the fire area.  

Q. Are there going to be cancellations of camping reservations?  

A. The Superior NF is contacted current reservation holders in the area. Visitors that had planned for day use visitation are encouraged to seek alternative experiences.  Since this is an evolving incident, the Superior NF will review the permit levels and make any adjustments as needed. 

Q. How long will the closure be in place?  

A. Public lands closures help to reduce interference with emergency crews and allow for fire suppression and burned area recovery. The Forest Closure Order is effective May 13, 2025 and will remain in effect until the fire is declared out, unless sooner rescinded. The Superior NF wants to express gratitude for the public's patience as we work to reopen these special places as quickly as safely possible. 

Please remain vigilant while out on your public lands. Fuel conditions remain very dry and new fire starts are possible. Help us thank firefighters, and protect your community from new, human-caused fires.   

Q. How do I find more information about the Brimson Complex Wildfire?  

A.  Go to Inciweb for this incident can be found at https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/mnmns-camp-househttps://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/mnsuf-wood-lake-wildfire. You will find information on other wildfires on this website as well. 

Q. How many recreation sites will be affected by this closure? And are there sites in other areas of  Superior available? 

A. See listing in Exhibit A for full list.  Yes, there are still other recreation sites available across the other Superior NF. We are encouraging people to seek alternate locations for your visit, at any of the other developed and/or rustic campgrounds.  Please note there are 254 backcountry campsites outside the wilderness that offer remote paddling, camping and fishing. Here you can experience solitude without reservations, fees or permits and have similar amenities that you would find in a Wilderness campsite.  State forests and parks and county lands are also available for recreation. 

Q. Can I fly a recreational drone over the wildfire to take photos?  

A. No, flying drones or Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) within or near a wildfire without permission could cause injury or death to firefighters and hamper their ability to protect lives, property, and natural cultural resources. In addition, drones are prohibited from launching, landing or being controlled from within designated wilderness areas. 

Individuals who fly UAS without authorization over wildfires may be violating federal, state, and/or local laws, regulations, and ordinances, whether a Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) is in place or not. All unauthorized UAS flights over wildfires on National Forest System lands will be reported to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and law enforcement agencies. 

Individuals who have been determined to have endangered manned aircraft or people on the ground with a UAS and/or interfered with wildfire suppression may be subject to civil penalties, including fines of up to $25,000, and potentially criminal prosecution. Drones are not legal within federally designated wilderness areas nationwide.  

Q. What does it mean by the Forest Service is using Full Suppression tactics for this wildfire?   

A. The Forest Service is using a full suppression approach. By Forest Service policy, every fire receives a strategic, risk-based response appropriate for the circumstances and associated threats and opportunities. Each strategy uses the full spectrum of management actions that consider fire and fuel conditions, weather, values at risk and resource availability. 

Fire danger is high from Duluth through Arrowhead due to drought conditions and above normal warm weather. Fire danger is likely to remain high for the next few weeks.  In addition to the weather conditions, this area includes high fuel loads, due to spruce budworm affected trees – both standing and laying down that can increase fire behavior.  

Q. How is the current air quality situation affecting wildfire operations? 

A. Canadian wildfires are contributing to some decreased air quality conditions across northern and central Minnesota. Air quality is currently MODERATE for the area. For more information on air quality where you live, see. https://www.airnow.gov/ 

Safety is our number one priority and, in some instances, aviation resources like planes, helicopters, etc. may not be used in suppressing a fire because of continued air pollution from Canadian wildfires. 

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