Superior National Forest

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.