Superior National Forest

Smoke from wildfires in the Pacific Northwest and British Columbia is causing hazy skies in Minnesota, with moderate air quality forecasts issued. This follows a previous wave of wildfires in Minnesota's Boundary Waters and Superior National Forest earlier this summer, which created hazardous conditions.

The Superior National Forest is reopening 41 Boundary Waters Canoe Area (BWCA) entry points in central and eastern regions this week, covering roughly 39% of the area. The reopening follows earlier day-use reopenings in Cook County, with all other entry points remaining closed due to ongoing wildfires.

The Forest Service is considering reopening 37 of 103 entry points in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness by July 30, contingent on wildfire conditions. The second phase would open 420,000 acres (39% of the area), including entry points in Lake County, Cook County, and one near Trout Lake in St. Louis County.

Parts of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness in Cook County will reopen for day-use access on July 27, but overnight permits remain banned through July 29 due to ongoing wildfires. The fires, sparked by a July 6 lightning storm, have burned over 72,000 acres in Minnesota and Canada, with 1,029 firefighters working to contain them.

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.

The U.S. Forest Service has extended the closure of Minnesota's Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness through Oct. 1 due to ongoing wildfires in Superior National Forest. Wildfires sparked by lightning strikes have burned 63,594 acres in Minnesota and 8,412 acres in Canada, with 962 firefighters working to contain them. Some areas may reopen for permit holders as conditions allow, but no visitors have been admitted since July 12.

Permits for the Boundary Waters Canoe Area (BWCA) have been extended until July 24 due to ongoing wildfires in northern Minnesota. The Superior National Forest cited wildfire smoke and extreme fire behavior as risks, making evacuations dangerous and rescue operations challenging.

Wildfire smoke from 17 fires in Minnesota's Superior National Forest has severely degraded air quality in Wisconsin, prompting health advisories and closures. The smoke, exacerbated by drought and heat, affects respiratory and cardiovascular health, with officials warning vulnerable populations to avoid outdoor exposure. Advocates highlight the need to address climate change as a contributing factor.

Wildfires in the Superior National Forest forced closures of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, stranding visitors and requiring rescues. Smoke from the fires affected Madison, Wisconsin, and prompted complaints from Republican officials to the Canadian embassy despite ongoing Canadian evacuations.

Wildfires in northern Minnesota, including the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, have triggered an air quality alert due to heavy smoke. The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency attributes the fires to recent hot weather and lightning, with Canadian wildfires also contributing to smoky conditions. Minnesota has seen an increase in wildfire-related air quality alerts in recent years due to hotter and drier conditions.

Heavy smoke from wildfires in the U.S. Midwest and Northeast has prompted evacuations, particularly in Minnesota's Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. Over 100 wildfires in Canada are contributing to the smoke, which has led to unhealthy air warnings across multiple regions. Authorities are evacuating thousands of campers, with rescue efforts involving both U.S. and Canadian officials.

The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency issued an air quality alert for parts of Minnesota, including the Twin Cities, due to wildfires in northern Minnesota and Canada. The alert warns of health risks for vulnerable groups, with hazardous smoke expected in areas like Two Harbors and Grant Portage. The Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness was closed indefinitely as wildfires caused by lightning and dry air led to evacuations and 17 rescues.

Heavy smoke from over 100 wildfires in Canada and the U.S. Midwest and Northeast has prompted evacuations in Minnesota's wilderness areas, with rangers working to evacuate thousands of campers. Unhealthy air conditions and extreme heat have led to closures of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, and rescue operations are underway to assist stranded campers.

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.

Evacuations continue in northern Minnesota as over 33,000 acres burn in more than a dozen wildfires. Air quality alerts affect half the state, including the Twin Cities metro area, and Gov. Tim Walz is set to address an emergency meeting to extend National Guard deployment.

Governor Tim Walz is convening an emergency council meeting to vote on extending the National Guard's deployment in northern Minnesota amid ongoing wildfires that have burned over 33,300 acres. The Emergency Executive Council will decide whether to prolong Executive Order 26-08, maintaining a peacetime emergency status for an additional 30 days.

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.

Wildfires in Northern Minnesota, including those in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area, have triggered evacuations in Lake County and 'very unhealthy' air quality alerts for multiple counties. The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency issued alerts, and there are 20 active fires in the Superior National Forest. A solar energy project and construction plans in Minneapolis are also highlighted.

The Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness in northern Minnesota is closing entry points due to more than a dozen wildfires. The closure, effective July 13-17, cancels permits and prohibits open flames in the Superior National Forest as part of safety measures.

Northern Minnesota is experiencing multiple wildfires, prompting the state to send additional support. Gov. Tim Walz declared a peacetime emergency, authorizing the National Guard to assist crews, while 16 active fires—four in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area—face challenges from hot, dry conditions. The U.S. Forest Service has closed 225,000 acres of the BWCA, and a Red Flag Warning is in effect for several counties.

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is addressing 10 wildfires in Superior National Forest that emerged over three days, with four located in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW). The fires range from 0.25 to 2.3 acres, and while no closures are in effect, the public is urged to avoid fire areas for safety.

A wildfire in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area (BWCA) near Grand Marais, caused by lightning, has been fully contained. The Long 2 wildfire burned 3 acres and was controlled by Sunday, though officials warn it may take days to declare the fire out. Visitors are urged to avoid the area, including drone use, to ensure firefighter safety.

The US Senate narrowly voted 50-49 to repeal a 20-year ban on mining near Minnesota’s Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, part of the Superior National Forest. The moratorium was imposed by the Biden administration in 2023 to protect the 225,000-acre wilderness area.