Excessive heat watch in effect through Sunday

MPR News helps you turn down the noise and build shared understanding. Turn up your support for this public resource and keep trusted journalism accessible to all. 

Turn Up Your Support

Authorities say the largest of several wildfires burning in or near the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness didn't grow from Saturday into Sunday — but it's proving to be a very challenging fire to contain.

The Delta Lake fire is burning south of Snowbank Lake about 19 miles east of Ely, and covers just over 60 acres.

Dozens of firefighters are working on the fire, with support from the air. 

Bob Reif, a public information officer with the Minnesota Incident Command System, said Sunday that dropping water from the air is the only way to get it on the fire at this point. 

"It's blowdown from 2016, a lot of downed timber that has not been cleared and some of that is chest-high," Reif said. "To climb over that and through that with any kind of water for fire suppression is next to impossible."

Reif said crews, including firefighters from Pennsylvania and Connecticut, have been working to create a pathway into the heart of the fire. 

"We're trying to clear and provide an access road that will get them deeper into that fire. And the concern there is firefighter safety. So, it's not only being able to bring in some heavier equipment safely, but maybe more importantly, it's the ability to evacuate those firefighters on the ground if the conditions worsen," he said.

Fires in Boundary Waters prompt campfire ban, some BWCA closures

The Delta Lake fire is believed to have been sparked by lightning last week, amid ongoing drought conditions in the region. Some rain is in the forecast for the coming week.

Because of the increased fire danger, Forest Service officials have temporarily banned most campfires in the Superior National Forest, including all campfires in the BWCAW. Elsewhere in the forest, campfires are allowed only in Forest Service-installed fire structures in developed, fee campgrounds.

In addition, the Forest Service has closed a number of lakes, campsites and portages because of the fires:

And it's also closed two entry points: No. 56 Kekekabic Trail East and No. 74 Kekekabic Trail West/Snowbank.

Officials say campers planning a trip to the Boundary Waters should check ahead for current fire conditions.

Three smaller wildfires in the Boundary Waters have been contained, the Forest Service reported Sunday:

Minnesota News

Weather and Climate News

Environmental News

Lifestyle

Outdoors

NewsPartners

MPR News Staff

Author

Authorities say the largest of several wildfires burning in or near the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness didn't grow from Saturday into Sunday — but it's proving to be a very challenging fire to contain.


Firefighters working through challenging conditions to contain wildfire east of Ely

Go Deeper.

Like this?