Ely

Governor Tim Walz ordered U.S. and Minnesota flags to fly at half-staff following the death of Leslie R. Washington. Washington, a member of the K-River 2 crew, died after suffering a medical emergency while fighting wildfires in Minnesota near Ely on Aug. 11.

Andrea Zupancich, a Republican, and Grant Hauschild, a DFL state senator, are competing for Minnesota's Senate District 3, a rural area facing economic and healthcare challenges. Hauschild holds a financial advantage, while Zupancich highlights local issues like the dentist shortage in Babbitt. Wildfires and their impact on Ely are also influencing the race.

Wildfire smoke and ash in northern Minnesota are being monitored for their impact on drinking water sources, particularly lakes. Advanced treatment systems in cities like Ely are designed to handle contaminants, but private water systems in rural areas face greater risks. Scientists warn that toxic compounds from fires could affect surface water used by some communities.

Minnesota’s Weather Authority issued a heat alert with today’s highs reaching mid to upper 90s and heat indices up to 104, breaking the 1936 record. A cold front will bring thunderstorms tonight, followed by wildfire smoke returning Saturday, poor air quality in northeast Minnesota and Wisconsin, and continued heat through Monday. Health risks include heat exhaustion, heat stroke, and worsened pre-existing conditions, with cooling centers listed for multiple counties.

Wildfires in the Boundary Waters have prompted evacuations for campers and residents near Ely and Winton, with thick smoke and intense heat reported in the area. Bailey Shinn described a hasty evacuation from Pipestone Falls, and Lake County Sheriff’s Office deputies are conducting door-to-door notifications as evacuation zones expand.

Evacuation zones in northern Minnesota are expanding due to growing wildfires, with Lake County issuing a GO evacuation order for the Boundary Waters area. Residents and tourists, including Scott Rud and Lisa, were forced to leave amid thick smoke and worsening conditions, while some tourists unaware of the evacuation were turned away.

The Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness in Minnesota is closed due to wildfires, disrupting tourism and threatening jobs in Ely. Local guides and businesses report canceled trips and economic losses, with the closure impacting 17,000 jobs and $913 million in annual sales. This marks only the third closure in the area's history.

Severe weather in northern Minnesota caused power outages, with 700 members still without power as of Tuesday. Lake Country Power reported over 6,000 affected members, while Minnesota Power restored most outages impacting 4,100 people. Crews are working to restore power across regions from Ely to Whiteface Reservoir.