Wildfires in the wilderness areas of the BWCAW, Quetico Provincial Park, Voyageurs National Park, and Superior National Forest:
Minnesota’s dry winter sparks concerns for spring wildfires
Wildfire is a normal part of healthy ecosystems in the Superior National Forest. However, USFS personnel are warning that this spring could see a higher incidence of wildfires due to low snow cover and precipitation. As a result, they encourage those who live and recreate in the Quetico Superior region to be watchful.
How does a forest wildfire affect water quality?
New study says lakes near the 2021 Greenwood Fire saw significant and surprising impacts.
Star Tribune series explores fighting fire with fire in the BWCA
Should fire be managed in the Boundary Waters? What have we learned from past mistakes? Experts discuss wildfire past and future in the BWCAW.
Spice Lake Wildfire in Boundary Waters Canoe Area
A wildfire is currently burning near the end of the Gunflint Trail in the BWCAW. The US Forest Service says the fire was detected between Spice Lake and Ogishkemuncie Lake in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness.
Campfires banned in BWCA due to dangers caused by drought
Local, state, and federal agencies announce prohibitions to reduce wildfire risks.
Biochar forestry could reduce wildfire risk and capture carbon
Project studies potential of converting excess fuel for forest fires to useful material for several purposes.
Report on 2021 Boundary Waters wildfire explains fire management options and benefits
The Fourtown Lake Fire was allowed to burn to some extent, helping restore a healthy forest and reducing firefighting resources needed.
Isle Royale fire fully contained, closures lifted
Blaze burns small area on northeastern end of National Park, leading to evacuations and temporary closures.
Mapping the 2021 Quetico fires: where blazes burned and where to paddle
As popular paddling destination Quetico Provincial Park reopens to Americans, maps show areas affected by major fires.
Ten years after Pagami Creek Fire, groups share lessons learned
In just a few days, it burned 93,000 acres of wilderness, and threatened the lives of Forest Service personnel and visitors. A series of events based in Ely covers forest management, the fire’s aftermath, and wildland firefighting.
Forest Service proposes logging portions of Greenwood Fire area
Burned trees on Superior National Forest may be opened to loggers. Plan focuses on one percent of the area burned by this summer’s biggest fire in northeastern Minnesota.
Budworm infestation blamed for forest fires
An outbreak of spruce budworms in northeastern Minnesota created conditions primed for ignition and likely fueled this summer’s wildfires.
Fire FAQs: Critical context for canoe country wildfires
Questions and answers about the wildfires consuming parts of northern Minnesota. Where do the animals go? How much of the BWCA has burned?
Boundary Waters Wildfires 2021
Superior Hiking Trail closed, Boundary Waters closed due to fires. Updated maps, photos from fires in Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness and Superior National Forest as official information is available. Greenwood Fire grows, Moose Lake Fire detected…
Greenwood Fire grows quickly, areas evacuated
Fire increases to over 19,000 acres creates a pyrocumulus cloud resulting in fire-created lightning, new evacuations but weather conditions could be more favorable soon.
Fires force full Boundary Waters closure for first time in 45 years
Forest Service shuts down wilderness area as large wildfires burn and drought continues, efforts to find visitors by canoe, float plane.
Quetico closes parts of park as wildfires grow
Several fires are burning in Quetico, across a large area, near the border with Minnesota.
Sixty-year-old seaplanes still serve in the Superior National Forest
Aircraft purchased by the Forest Service in the late 1950s work on everything from wildfire, search-and-rescue, to wildlife management.
Small human-caused wildfire contained on Crooked Lake in Boundary Waters
Forest Service urges campfire caution as it fights another forest blaze ignited by Boundary Waters wilderness visitors.
Prescribed fires on Superior National Forest cancelled to protect virus victims and firefighters
Federal agency calls off all spring burning plans as officials seek to reduce connected risks of fires and health.
Prescribed fires planned this fall in the Boundary Waters to protect outside areas
Fires will reduce the amount of flammable forest materials in areas hit by the 1999 blowdown, and hopefully reduce the risk that a wildfire could escape the wilderness.
Dry weather and dry wood: canoe country region braced for fire danger
Conditions are causing concerns about wildfires in northeast Minnesota, as authorities urge campers and others to exercise caution.
Fourth of July marks 20th anniversary of Boundary Waters Blowdown
The historic storm that wiped out huge swaths of forest and injured visitors left a long-lasting mark on the wilderness.
Superior National Forest announces successful prescribed fire season
Forest Service officials say significant swaths of public land have been burned this spring to accomplish a variety of management goals.
Forest Service finalizes plans to cut and burn 17,000 acres near the Echo Trail
Superior National Forest officials recently concluded the lengthy development of a plan to manage significant swaths of public land near and in the Boundary Waters.
What is Wilderness? Examining tree rings, researchers reconsider the history of human influence in the Boundary Waters
“By examining annual growth rings in increment cores taken from tree trunks, we found that many pines at this site were more than 250 years old. Distinct injuries recorded within their rings denoted the passage of multiple low-severity surface fires that damaged but did not kill many of these trees…”
Several minor wildfires burn across canoe country
Lightning has started a handful of blazes on both sides of the international border, though the fires remain relatively small.
Painter captures forest regeneration after the Ham Lake Fire
“Painting that blackened landscape really taught me how to find beauty in an otherwise not so beautiful environment. The shiny silver patterns on a charred tree or stump against a green back ground were fascinating to me….”
Moose find a friend in fire: burned areas host highest numbers
New research shows how moose prefer the type of forest habitat that is created by forest fires.
Study: No connection between forest fires and mercury levels in fish
Measuring mercury in two different lakes before and after, and absent, fires showed fears about short-term contamination are unfounded.
Ten Years After the Ham Lake Fire: A Forest Regenerates
In May 2007 an out of control campfire off the Gunflint Trail grew into a wildfire that burned 75,851 acres. Ten years later, the forest is at a turning point…
Prescribed Burns and Logging Projects Planned to Make More Moose Habitat
Forest Service proposes multi-pronged effort to get more of the young forests moose need for food.
Video Tells Riveting Story of Six Rangers Caught by Pagami Creek Fire
Boundary Waters rangers had a harrowing experience during the fast-moving wildfire.
How a Little Prescribed Burn Turned into a Major Wildfire on the Superior National Forest
In May 2016, the Foss Lake Fire was caused by a prescribed burn that escaped due to a complex set of forces.
Fires Prescribed for Dangerous Deadfall in 1999 Boundary Waters Blowdown
Forest Service plans four projects this fall to reduce the risk of fast-spreading natural fires.
Writer Revisits Pagami Creek Fire Area Five Years After Historic Blaze
Outdoor News editor finds new growth and a lots of evidence remaining from the 140-square-mile fire.
Prescribed Fire Runs Wild Near Burntside Lake
Foss Lake Fire was lit by Forest Service but escaped containment and has caused the closure of one wilderness entry point.
‘Large’ Wildfire Burning On Superior National Forest
The 1,000-acre “Skibo Fire” is about one-fifth contained in the midst of dry, windy conditions.
Superior National Forest Lighting Fires For Blueberries And Other Benefits
Prescribed burns this spring seek to clear rock outcrops and let fire-dependent species thrive.
Forest Service Fighting Two Small Fires in Boundary Waters
Two small fires are burning in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, and are being intensively managed by Superior National Forest crews. The fires have not yet resulted in the…
Abandon Camp!
By Larry Christianson “Abandon Camp” and “Pagami Creek Fire” entered our boundary waters lingo in a sudden and dramatic escape from a fast spreading forest fire. But first ….
The 1999 Blowdown and Forest Management Practices Impacts the Pagami Creek Fire
By Charlie Mahler Natural fires in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness – those started by lightning rather than, say, by careless campers – provide opportunities and risks for the…
Feds Temporarily Douse Fire Policy
In a temporary change in wildland firefighting policy, the U.S. Forest Service announced recently that it would now attempt to suppress all wilderness fires in an effort to conserve resources.
Review Backs Pagami Creek Fire Decisions
An internal U. S. Forest Service review of management of the Pagami Creek Fire supports the decision-making and actions of officials charged with fighting the 93,000-acre blaze.
BWCAW Campfire Ban Lifted
Superior National Forest officials lifted a ban on campfires in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness today.
Highway 1 Fire 100% Contained
A wildfire that threatened Ely, Minnesota on Thursday is 90% contained according to officials fighting the 175-acre blaze.
Ely Threatened by Wildfire
A wildfire apparently caused by a downed power-line threatened Ely, Minnesota on Thursday, prompting the voluntary evacuation of more than 200 residents.
Pagami Fire Area Reopening in BWCAW
Most areas in the Boundary Waters burned in last fall’s Pagami Creek fire will reopen to the public starting today, the U.S. Forest Service has announced.
76 BWCAW Campsites Likley Closed
As many as 76 campsites in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness could remain closed at the start of the paddling season due to the effects of last fall’s Pagami Creek Fire.
Conditions Prompt Spring Fire Concerns
Dry conditions across Minnesota have officials bracing for an early and active spring fire season.
Without Snow, Fire Danger Persists
Winter can still be a season for wildfires the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources is reminding people after 750 acres burned in northwestern Minnesota.
Pagami Creek Fire in the BWCAW
The Pagami Creek Fire burns 93,000 acres, blazes into the largest naturally occurring wildfire in a century. By Charlie Mahler In the heat of summer, with the Boundary Waters Canoe…
Inside the Pagami Creek Fire
A couple of boundary waters paddlers found themselves on Lake Insula on Sept 12 when the Pagami Creek Fire took off – this video shows them caught off guard by…
Pagami Fire Projections Missed Mark
U.S. Forest Service projections about the nature of the Pagami Creek Fire repeatedly underestimated the explosiveness of the blaze, according to a story based on official internal reports.
Some BWCAW, National Forest Areas Reopening
Areas in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness and the Superior National Forest closed to the public because of their proximity to the Pagami Creek Fire have been reopened thanks to cooler, wetter weather and increased containment of the blaze.
Fire Containment Circle Closing
The 92,682 acre Pagami Creek Fire which started in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness in August is now 87% contained, according to the fire’s incident command.
Pagami Creek Fire 80% Contained
Despite last week’s hot, dry weather and high winds, firefighters battling the Pagami Creek Fire in northeastern Minnesota now have the blaze 80% contained, officials reported Monday morning.
Pagami Creek Fire 71% Contained
The Pagami Creek Fire, which has burned in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness since August 18, is now 71% contained, according to firefighting officials.
Weather Complicates Fire Containment Efforts
High winds and rough water are complicating the tasks of firefighters trying to take full control over the Pagami Creek Fire which has burned 93,459 acres of forest in and adjoining the Boundary Waters.
Forest Service Explains Early Fire Strategy
With the Pagami Creek Fire currently 30% contained, Forest Service officials took time to explain why they let the lightening-caused fire burn prior to the day it blazed across 80,000 acres of forest in a matter of hours.
Pagami Creek Fire 23% Contained
The Pagami Creek Fire that has burned more than 93,000 acres of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness and adjacent forest is now 23% contained according fire officials.
Weather Keeps BWCAW Fire From Growing
Wet weather in northeastern Minnesota over the weekend helped firefighters in their battle with the Pagami Creek fire which raced across the Boundary Waters last week and continues to threaten the area.
As BWCAW Fire Slows, Recriminations Flare
After a second day in which weather conditions allowed a growing team of firefighters to hold ground against the fire burning in the Boundary Waters, frustration over the Forest Service’s initial response to the blaze has flared.
Weather Slows Advance of BWCAW Fire
Cooler weather on Wednesday that included rain and even some snow showers helped slow the advance of the Pagami Creek fire in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness which has consumed more than 100,000 acres of forest.
BWCAW Fire Largest in Minnesota Since 1918
The Pagami Creek Fire, which has so far consumed some 100,000 acres of Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness forest, is the largest forest fire in Minnesota since 1918.
Pagami Creek Fire Nearly Quadruples in Size
Fanned by gusty northwest winds, the Pagami Creek Fire nearly quadrupled in size yesterday, charring Boundary Water Canoe Area Wilderness forest from Lakes One and Two in the north to just north of Clearwater Lake in the south.
Pagami Creek Fire in BWCAW Expands
The Pagami Creek fire in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness has expanded to consume more than 4,000 acres of forest, prompting closures of some areas of the BWCAW near Ely.
Burning Used to Reduce Fire Danger
Superior National Forest officials are using intentional burns to reduce the danger posed by a small, lightening ignited fire near Lake One and Lake Two in the Boundary Waters east of Ely, Minnesota.
Wildfire Grows in Boundary Waters
A lightning-caused wildfire in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness that smoldered for a week has grown to 130 acres and is now being closely monitored by U.S. Forest Service officials.
Small Fire Burning in BWCAW 2011
A small wildfire is burning on a peninsula of Gaskin Lake in the eastern portion of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness.
Small Fire Burning in BWCAW
A small forest fire is burning south of the Gunflint Trail in a remote section of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness in the general vicinity of Long Island Lake.
Campfire Restrictions Relaxed
While continuing to deem the fire danger in northeastern Minnesota “high,” the U.S. Forest Service has relaxed some of the restrictions put in place earlier to reduce the likelihood of wildfire starting Superior National Forest.
Bracing for an Historic Fire Year
Although weekend rains may have lessened the immediate fire danger in the Quetico-Superior region, wildland fire experts say this year could shape up to be one of the worst fire years in a generation.
Rains Should Lessen Fire Danger
Rain predicted for later today should lessen the extreme fire danger that has accompanied the earliest and driest spring on record in Northeastern Minnesota. Yesterday, despite high winds and dry air, firefighters were able to control new fires and keep others contained.
Fire Danger Still High
Despite some light showers over the weekend, wildfire danger in Northeastern Minnesota is still high according to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources.
Fire Restrictions to be Tightened
Fire restrictions will be tightened on Friday in the Superior and Chippewa National Forests as continued dry weather raises the risk of wildfire. The Minnesota DNR is also tightening fire regulations.
Fire Danger Very High in Region
Fire danger is high across the Quetico-Superior region as agencies tighten burning restrictions and brace against ripe conditions for wildfires.
Boundary Waters Prescribed Burn Update
Prescribed burns planned for the Gunflint Ranger District in September were canceled due to budget short falls, but continued fuel reduction in the blowdown is planned – weather permitting.
Voyageurs Plans Burn for Thursday
Voyageurs National Park officials plan to burn an area on Tar Point near Blind Indian Narrows in Namakan Lake Thursday. The burn is intended to help determine what effect fire has on archeological artifacts and help determine the effects of fire on vegetation.
Fire Danger Low, but Area Firefighters Active
Forest fire danger in northern Minnesota and western Ontario is low, but that doesn’t mean area firefighters are keeping busy. Wild-land fire fighters from the Quetico-Superior region are helping fight fires currently burning in British Columbia.
Gunflint Green Up Sprouts New Life In Forest – And Community
Hundreds of people descended upon the Gunflint Trail outside of Grand Marais last weekend to plant thousands of pine seedlings and green up the fire impacted forest. Wilderness News Online caught up with Quetico Superior Foundation board member and Gunflint Trail property owner Dyke Williams, who had the opportunity to join the annual event. Read our Q&A.
2009 Superior National Forest Prescribed Burn Plan
The US Forest Service recently released its Superior National Forest Prescribed Burn plan for 2009, including several locations in the Gunflint and Tofte Ranger Districts.
Gunflint Green Up Commemorates the Ham Lake Fire
The day of the Gunflint Green Up dawned bright and cold, with three inches of fresh snow blanketing the ground. Spring snow certainly isn’t unheard of in canoe country, but…
Stories From the Ham Lake Fire
Three stories from the recent fire offer perspective: in a healthy forest, fire nourishes and revitalizes the soil and the landscape, and that in life, adversity can create new opportunities…
One Big Fire
In July of last year, a lightning strike ignited the Cavity Lake fire in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW). Over 32,000 acres burned in what was then…
Wildfires Strike the BWCAW and Quetico Provincial Parks
Over 31,800 acres have burned in the largest fire to hit the Boundary Waters Canoe Area region since 1894. A lightning strike near Cavity Lake on July 13th, started a…
Natural Fire Management in Voyageurs National Park
Federal parks and forest officials had a perfect opportunity last summer to advance two of their goals for Voyageurs National Park: restoring fire as part of the natural ecosystem and…
Wilderness News Fall 2003
The Fall issue of Wilderness News is in the mail and online. Download a PDF here. Highlights: Special Feature Part I: The Historic Lodges of…
Q&A with the Forest Service
Results of the prescribed burn that took place on Three Mile Island last September. With the completion last September of the Magnetic Lake and Three Mile Island prescribed burns, the…
Prescribed Burns Begin in and Near BWCA
A total of 1,000 acres underwent prescribed burns this fall, 360 of which were within the BWCA. Plans called for burning more than 4,000 BWCA acres this year, and all areas not completed are now on hold until 2002. These include top-priority sections totaling 5,200 acres in the Magnetic Lake and Kekekabic Lake areas, as well as 300 acres near Dogleg Lake.