Keeping the doorway to the wilderness open.
The BWCAW Legacy Fund stands with the outfitters, resorts, guides, and family businesses that welcome us into the BWCAW — helping them survive the wildfires so the wilderness stays open and accessible for generations to come.
Raised total updating
Acres burned in the region
Estimated economic impact of the fires in the BWCAW region estimate pending
Wildfire activity across the region
Active fires, emergency resources, and affected local businesses across northern Minnesota. Toggle layers in the top-right of the map.
Ask for assistance from the BWCAW Legacy Fund
Run an outfitter, resort, lodge, guide service, campground, or any local business that helps people reach the Boundary Waters? If the wildfires have cost you business, make one simple request to the fund — no program picking, no red tape. Our team reviews every request directly.
Ask for assistance →Latest news
Jul 21, 2026
Aerial Support Joins the Wildfire Response
Helicopter crews and firefighters battle wildfires across northeastern Minnesota — a look at the response from the air and the ground.
Jul 21, 2026
Help Us Protect Northeastern Minnesota
More than 17 wildfires are burning across northeastern Minnesota and Ely is under threat of evacuation. We've launched the BWCAW Legacy Fund to raise at least $1 million for the locally owned small businesses hit hardest by the fires.
Jul 20, 2026
Smoke keeps visitors away as Ely cancels Blueberry Arts Festival; economic toll mounts
About 68,000 acres have burned. Outfitting and cabin rentals in Ely have ground to a halt, and the city canceled its marquee Blueberry Arts Festival.