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.
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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.
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.
Quetico closes parts of park as wildfires grow
Several fires are burning in Quetico, across a large area, near the border with Minnesota.
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.
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…
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.