News & updates
Stories from the field and news from the fund.
July 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.
July 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.
July 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.
July 20, 2026
Over a dozen wildfires still burning across the Boundary Waters and Superior National Forest
More than a dozen active wildfires continue to burn in the Superior National Forest and BWCAW. Officials warn some could smolder underground into the winter.
July 19, 2026
Air quality alerts across Minnesota as wildfire smoke spreads
The MPCA issued an air quality alert reaching the 'unhealthy' category for much of the state as evacuation orders expanded and Boundary Waters permits were canceled through July 24.
July 18, 2026
Boundary Waters closure extended through July 24 as crews battle 17 fires
The Forest Service extended the BWCAW closure through July 24. Officials counted 17 active wildfires, with more than 500 firefighters and over a dozen local departments responding.
July 17, 2026
Fire threatens property within a mile of Ely; Crane Lake told to get ready
The Bear Trap Fire moved within about a mile of cabins, homes and resorts near Ely. Crane Lake — a gateway to the Boundary Waters and Voyageurs — was told to prepare to evacuate.
July 14, 2026
Evacuations expand along Echo Trail and Fernberg Corridor as fires explode near Ely
Extreme fire conditions on July 13–14 forced evacuations along the Echo Trail and Fernberg Corridor. St. Louis County declared a disaster; a temporary evacuation point opened in Babbitt.