U.S. Forest Service-Superior National Forest

06/08/2026

Tiger, Loon, and Buck Fires Update
Date: June 8, 2026 9:00 AM

Incident Name: Tiger Fire Size: 1 acre Personnel: 10
Fire Information: https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/mnsuf-tiger-fire
Cause: Lightning from thunderstorms that moved through the area on June 4, 2026
Location: East end of Lac La Croix between Tiger Bay and Boulder Bay approximately 22 miles east of Crane Lake MN, near the Canadian border.

Current Status: Mid-afternoon on June 6, 2026, the Tiger Fire was detected during a routine fire patrol flight on the LaCroix Ranger District of the Superior National Forest within the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW). The threats from this fire or what firefighters commonly refer to as values at risk include wilderness visitors in the immediate area, 2-4 wilderness campsites, and the nearby Lac La Croix Administrative Site, a historic Forest Service site with Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) built structures.

The initial suppression strategy on June 6 prioritized using the large chinook helicopter to make water drops on the Tiger Fire to reduce fire intensity and stop the fire from spreading. Firefighters developed options for direct extinguishment of the fire yesterday while planning for firefighter safety due to heavy dead and downed trees and the presence of fire affected hazard trees. The Tiger Fire was declared contained this morning.

Planned Actions: On June 7, fire activity was observed as creeping and smoldering following the helicopter water bucket drops. Firefighters established a safe access route from the lakeshore to the fire area and constructed a small fire line around the fire area. A water pump site has been established, and a hose line is set up to deliver water to the fire’s edge. The fire line and hose line will allow the fire crew to continue the process of mopping up today, which means to seek out hot spots and extinguish any flames or pockets of heat. Aircraft are available for water drops as needed.

Closures: There are no closures within the BWCAW although a few campsites near the fire may need to be temporarily closed for public and firefighter safety. This remains an active wildfire and conditions could change. The public is asked to STAY OUT of the fire areas for public and firefighter safety. Unauthorized unmanned aircraft system (UAS) flights threaten firefighter safety and wildland fire suppression efforts and are NOT allowed near the fire area and are illegal in federally designated wilderness areas.

Incident Name: Loon Fire Size: 10 acres Personnel: 10
Fire Information: https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/mnsuf-loon-fire
Cause: Lightning from thunderstorms that moved through the area on June 4, 2026
Location: East of East Loon Bay on Loon Lake approximately 11 miles east of Crane Lake, MN.

Current Status: On June 6, 2026, the Loon Fire was detected during a routine fire patrol flight on the LaCroix Ranger District of the Superior National Forest within the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW). The threats from this fire or what firefighters commonly refer to as values at risk include wilderness visitors in the immediate area, 2-4 wilderness campsites, and part of the Sioux-Hustler Hiking Trail.

The initial suppression strategy on June 7 prioritized using a large chinook helicopter and a second smaller helicopter to make water bucket drops to slow fire spread and reduce intensity. Ten firefighters were transported to the fire to evaluate access routes and develop options for direct extinguishment of the fire.

Planned Actions: Yesterday, fire activity was observed as creeping and smoldering with light winds. The two helicopters continued to work on the fire with water drops to establish a safe starting point for ground crews to work on direct suppression. Fire-weakened trees are a concern for firefighter safety so crews will need to carefully evaluate access routes and locations to set up pumps and hose. Aircraft are available for water drops as needed.

Closures: There are no closures within the BWCAW although a few campsites near the fire may need to be temporarily closed for public and firefighter safety. This remains an active wildfire and conditions could change. The public is asked to STAY OUT of the fire areas for public and firefighter safety. Unauthorized unmanned aircraft system (UAS) flights threaten firefighter safety and wildland fire suppression efforts and are NOT allowed near the fire area and are illegal in federally designated wilderness areas.

Incident Name: Buck Fire Size: 1/4 acre Personnel: 0
Fire Information: https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/mnsuf-buck-fire
Cause: Lightning from thunderstorms that moved through the area on June 4, 2026
Location: A half mile north of Buck Lake approximately 12 miles north of Tower, MN.

Current Status: Early afternoon on June 7, 2026, the Buck Fire was detected during a routine fire patrol flight on the LaCroix Ranger District of the Superior National Forest within the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW).
Fire activity was observed as smoldering around the tree that was struck by lightning. Yesterday, fire managers flew over the fire to evaluate access routes and develop an initial suppression strategy. A large helicopter was used late in the afternoon to conduct water bucket drops to reduce fire intensity and slow fire spread. Access to the fire’s location is very difficult and the risk to firefighters high, compared to the fire activity.

Planned Actions: The fire will be monitored from the air and a helicopter used for water bucket drops if needed. The forecast for today includes the chance of rain which could assist in extinguishing this fire. Depending on the effects of the forecasted rain, firefighters may be transported to the fire to take direct suppression actions.

Closures: There are no current closures within the BWCAW for this fire. This remains an active wildfire and conditions could change. Unauthorized unmanned aircraft system (UAS) flights threaten firefighter safety and wildland fire suppression efforts and are NOT allowed near the fire area and are illegal in federally designated wilderness areas.

: USDA Forest Service photo of the Loon Fire on June 7, 2026

06/07/2026

We appreciate the long standing interagency partnership with the Minnesota Incident Command System and Team A’s quick response to mobilize to the Forest and assist on the Birch Bay Fire. Thank you Team A!

MNICS Team A has transferred command of the Birch Bay Fire back to the Superior National Forest's local Type 4 Incident Commander today, May 7th, 2026.

Thank you to Ely Outdoor Learning Center for hosting our team! We would like to express our gratitude to the Superior National Forest, St. Louis County Sheriff's Department, St. Louis County Emergency Management, MN DNR Law Enforcement, Local Fire Departments from Morse Fall Lake, Ely, Babbit and Eagles Nest, and other local community stakeholders for helping to support our team.

We would like to say THANK YOU to the community within and around Ely, MN for accommodating all of the cooperating resources, local fire departments, wildland firefighter crews, heavy equipment operators, aircraft, local, county, state, and federal firefighters who arrived to suppress the Birch Bay Fire.

06/07/2026

Wildfire Updates for June 7, 2026 at 8:30 a.m.

BIRCH BAY FIRE: The Birch Bay Fire was declared 100% contained yesterday evening and command was transferred to the local fire organization this morning. Firefighters will continue to patrol and monitor the fire area. No additional updates will be posted on this fire unless conditions change.

TIGER FIRE AND LOON FIRE UPDATE: An afternoon fire detection flight yesterday (June 6, 2026) discovered two new wildfires on the LaCroix Ranger District of the Superior National Forest, both located within the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW). Fire personnel flew over the fires to assess fire activity and to develop suppression strategies with a focus on public and firefighter safety. Both fires appear to have started in pine stand k***s and were observed moving downslope with moderate spreading. The cause of these fires has been determined to be lightning from thunderstorms that moved through the area on June 4, 2026.

The Tiger Fire is estimated at 1 acre in size and located between Tiger Bay and Boulder Bay on the east end of Lac La Croix approximately 22 miles east of Crane Lake MN, near the Canadian border. The threats from this fire include the safety of wilderness visitors in the immediate area, 2-4 wilderness campsites, and the nearby Lac La Croix Administrative Site, a historic Forest Service site with Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) built structures.

The Loon Fire (originally called Shell) is estimated at 5 acres in size and located east of East Loon Bay on Loon Lake approximately 11 miles east of Crane Lake, MN. The threats from this fire include the safety of wilderness visitors in the immediate area, 2-4 wilderness campsites, and a portion of the Sioux-Hustler Hiking Trail.

The initial suppression strategy prioritized using the large chinook helicopter to make water drops on the Tiger Fire to reduce fire intensity and stop the fire from spreading. Four firefighters and gear were transported to the fire yesterday evening using a Forest Service DeHavilland Beaver float plane. The crew confirmed that the fire was smoldering and creeping following the helicopter bucket work. Firefighters will develop options for direct extinguishment of the fire today while planning for firefighter safety due to heavy dead and downed trees and the presence of fire affected hazard trees. Six additional firefighters will be assigned to the fire today.

On the Loon Fire a similar suppression strategy will be used this morning with the large helicopter to make water bucket drops to slow fire spread and reduce intensity. Late yesterday the last observation on this fire noted that east-southeast winds were moving the fire towards Loon Lake. Ten firefighters will be transported to this fire this morning to assess the situation and develop options for direct extinguishment. Fire weakened trees and heavy dead and downed trees within the fire area are both safety concerns that fire crews will need to evaluate as risks to how they approach the suppression strategy.

IMPORTANT: A few BWCAW campsites near these two fires may be temporarily closed for public and firefighter safety. The Public is asked to STAY OUT of the fire areas for public and firefighter safety. Unauthorized unmanned aircraft system (UAS) flights threaten firefighter safety and wildland fire suppression efforts and are NOT allowed near the fire area and are illegal in federally designated wilderness areas.


📷: USDA Forest Service photo of the Tiger Fire taken shortly after detection on June 6, 2026 before water drops were conducted.

06/06/2026

This afternoon, two new wildfires have been reported in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW), one located near the east end of Lac La Croix (22 miles east of Crane Lake, MN) and the second located east of Loon Lake (11 miles east of Crane Lake, MN) on the LaCroix Ranger District. Firefighting resources are currently assessing suppression options. Updates will be provided as more information is available. The public is asked to stay out of the area for their safety and firefighter safety.

Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) or drones are NOT allowed near the fire area and are illegal in federally designated wilderness areas.

06/06/2026

Birch Bay Fire Update
Saturday, June 6, 2026

MNICS Team A, Incident Commander Ryan Williams
Fire Information Line: 218-881-2512, 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Email: [email protected]

Online: https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/mnsuf-birch-bay-fire
https://www.facebook.com/SuperiorNF

Birch Bay Fire Quick Facts
Size: 33 acres Origin: 8 miles northwest of Ely, MN County: St. Louis
Start Date: June 1, 2026 Cause: Equipment Use (Likely Chainsaw) Containment: 90% Total Personnel: 72

Key Message: Containment has increased to 90% after Thursday’s rainfall moderated fire behavior, allowing crews to make additional progress on containment lines. The total size of the incident has been updated to 33 acres to reflect more accurate aerial mapping using thermal infrared imaging. While Thursday evening’s rain was an aid to the firefighting effort, conditions are still dry in the area. A Minnesota Department of Natural Resources-State Fire Investigator has determined that the fire likely originated during chainsaw operations associated with fuels reduction and prescribed fire preparation work being conducted by U.S. Forest Service personnel. Inquiries regarding the origin investigation should be sent to Public Affairs Officer Joy VanDrie via email: [email protected] .

Operations: Crews continue to secure and mop up lingering hot spots. Rainfall from the previous evening had a significant impact on reducing heat within the fire perimeter. Resources remaining on the incident will continue to search and grid for remaining heat up to 60 feet within the perimeter. Mop-up operations will continue and firefighters will be available for initial attack response to any new incidents within the local area.

Planned Activity: The primary objective today is to begin the transition of command back to the local unit and prepare for demobilization of MNICS Team A. Crews will continue to work on mop-up and patrolling for any new hotspots, while the Great Lakes Wildland Fire Module’s Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) will scan the area for hotspots using thermal infrared imaging. UAS can help provide real –time situational awareness while improving firefighter safety by completing missions normally done by persons in aircraft or on the ground. The fire will transition back to the local unit tomorrow morning. A qualified Type 4 Incident Commander will oversee the remaining operations including fire patrols and hazard identification and mitigation. This will be the last update provided by MNICS Team A.

Evacuations: All evacuations have been lifted. To sign up for future evacuation and emergency alerts from the St. Louis County Sheriff’s Office, please visit https://sheriff-slcgis.hub.arcgis.com/pages/northland-alert.

Closures: There are no current closures in effect, however firefighters and equipment remain actively engaged on the fire. For everyone’s safety, the public is asked to stay away from the North Arm Road area and to NOT fly unmanned aerial systems (UAS) or drones anywhere near the fire area—the Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) remains in place. Please remember that if you fly, we can’t! For current TFR restrictions visit: https://tfr.faa.gov for more information.

Fire Restrictions: Fire restrictions are in effect as of today within the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW) on the Superior National Forest until June 30 unless rescinded or extended. Gas or propane cook stoves are still allowed throughout the BWCAW. Stoves or grills fueled by charcoal, or any type of wood are not allowed. For current information, visit: https://www.fs.usda.gov/r09/superior/alerts

Weather: Today’s weather will be sunny with a high of around 85 degrees. Light winds will be from the Northwest and the relative humidity will top out around 29 percent.

📷: USDA Forest Service photos - Great Lakes Wildland Fire Module pilot launching and operating an Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) used to scan the fire perimeter for hotspots using thermal infrared imaging

06/06/2026

⚠️ Fire Weather Watch Issued - Sunday, June 7, 2026 ⚠️
Heads up Koochiching, North St. Louis & North Itasca counties, hot, dry and breezy weather is forecast for this upcoming Sunday and will lead to critical fire weather conditions. The U.S. National Weather Service (NWS) has issued the Fire Weather Watch for Sunday afternoon & evening due to the expected breezy southerly winds, low relative humidity and hot temperatures.
👀Stay alert! Critical fire weather conditions can lead to potential red flag warning.
☑️ Burning restrictions remain in place the affected areas.
☑️ That your campfires remain small no larger than 3 feet wide by 3 feet tall and dare out cold before you leave. If coals are warm to the touch using the back of your hand, drown, stir, and repeat until that campfire is completely out cold.
📞- Call 911 to report a wildfire.
Visit www.weather.gov for current weather updates.

06/05/2026

Birch Bay Fire Update
Friday, June 5, 2026

MNICS Team A, Incident Commander Ryan Williams
Fire Information Line: 218-881-2512, 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Email: [email protected]

Online: https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/mnsuf-birch-bay-fire
https://www.facebook.com/SuperiorNF

Birch Bay Fire Quick Facts
Size: 35 acres Origin: 8 miles northwest of Ely, MN County: St. Louis
Start Date: June 1, 2026 Cause: Under Investigation Containment: 43% Total Personnel: 81

Key Message: Firefighters continue to make progress, with containment reaching 43%. In cooperation with the St. Louis County Sheriff’s Office, U.S. Forest Service, and Incident Management Team, all evacuations have been lifted. Residents are encouraged to continue to exercise caution in the area due to heavy equipment and firefighter traffic. Firefighter and public safety continue to be the top priority.

Operations: Crews continue to mop up, which consists of searching and extinguishing any smoldering debris and felling any hazard trees. Any lingering heat discovered will be fully suppressed. Firefighting activities were suspended yesterday evening for thunderstorms and lightning, crews remained in safe locations overnight and resumed operations this morning. With the progress made yesterday, several crews and equipment were released from the fire, bringing the current total personnel to 81.

Planned Activity: Firefighters will continue to mop up further into the containment area and work towards full containment. The fire will be considered contained when a control line has been completed around the entire perimeter and any associated spot fires are extinguished, effectively stopping the risk of spread. Aircraft remain available to provide support, along with a Great Lakes Compact Module drone, which is being used for reconnaissance and mapping flights. Incident Command continues to maintain excellent communication with local cooperators regarding fire updates.

Evacuations: All evacuations have been lifted. To sign up for future evacuation and emergency alerts from the St. Louis County Sheriff’s Office, please visit https://sheriff-slcgis.hub.arcgis.com/pages/northland-alert.

Closures: There are no current closures in effect, however firefighters and equipment are actively working on the fire. For everyone’s safety, the public is asked to stay away from the North Arm Road area and to NOT fly unmanned aerial systems (UAS) or drones anywhere near the fire area—the Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) remains in place. Please remember that if you fly, we can’t! For current TFR restrictions visit: https://tfr.faa.gov for more information.

Fire Restrictions: Fire restrictions go into effect within the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW) on the Superior National Forest beginning Saturday morning (12:01) am., June 6, 2026 until June 30 unless rescinded or extended. Gas or propane cook stoves are still allowed throughout the BWCAW. Stoves or grills fueled by charcoal, or any type of wood are not allowed. For current information, visit: https://www.fs.usda.gov/r09/superior/alerts

Weather: Today’s weather will be partly sunny with a high temperature of 81 degrees. The minimum humidity will be around 38%. Winds will come from the West at 7-16 mph, increasing to 17-18 mph in the late afternoon. Rainfall totals for the last 24 hours in the area were less than an inch.

📷: USDA Forest Service photo of fire affected ground and trees on the Birch Bay Fire

06/04/2026

Birch Bay Fire Update
Thursday, June 4, 2026

MNICS Team A, Incident Commander Ryan Williams
Fire Information Line: 218-881-2512, 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Email: [email protected]

Online: https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/mnsuf-birch-bay-fire
https://www.facebook.com/SuperiorNF

Birch Bay Fire Quick Facts
Size: 35 acres Origin: 8 miles northwest of Ely, MN County: St. Louis
Start Date: June 1, 2026 Cause: Under Investigation Containment: 30% Total Personnel: 103

Key Message: Firefighters continue to make progress, achieving 30% containment through coordinated suppression efforts yesterday. Firefighter and public safety remain the highest priorities. Firefighters continue to look to improve current containment lines and contingency lines to protect infrastructure and values at risk.

Operations: Firefighters completed saw and hose lines around the fire yesterday. They will continue to strengthen containment lines around the fire using engines, crews, heavy equipment, and aviation resources. Crews will continue to mop up and secure containment lines, looking for hotspots and fire weakened trees. Water-scooping aircraft and helicopters are available to support ground resources as needed. A hotshot crew arrived on the incident today and will be assisting in mop up and containment.

Planned Activity: Firefighters will continue to reinforce containment lines along the edge of the fire perimeter. Crews will use direct suppression tactics by working along the fire’s edge to mop up hotspots within 60 feet of the fire edge. Mop up includes finding and extinguishing the hot spots and smoldering debris near containment lines, in addition to felling trees that may pose a hazard to firefighters and resources. Indirect containment strategies may also be utilized by strengthening containment features away from active fire to safely limit fire growth and protect nearby values at risk. Aircraft support is available today to support suppression efforts as needed.

Evacuations: In cooperation with U.S. Forest Service Officials and MNICS Team A, the St. Louis County Sheriff’s Office has lifted all evacuation zones in the area of the Birch Bay Fire. Firefighters and heavy equipment will still be operating in the area and residents should be extremely cautious if travelling down the North Arm Road. Ther public is still advised to stay clear of the area. Current evacuation information can be found on the St. Louis County website at: https://sheriff-slcgis.hub.arcgis.com/

Closures: There are no current closures in effect, however firefighters and equipment are actively working on the fire. The public is asked to stay away from the North Arm Road area; give clearance to water scooping aircraft on Burntside Lake; and to NOT fly unmanned aerial systems (UAS) or drones anywhere near the fire area--a TFR (temporary flight restriction) is in place over the fire area. This will allow the firefighting aircraft pilots to fly safely and the firefighters on the ground to work safely. Please remember that if you fly, we can’t! For current TFR restrictions visit: https://tfr.faa.gov for more information.

Fire Restrictions: Fire restrictions go into effect within the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW) on the Superior National Forest beginning Saturday morning (12:01) am., June 6, 2026 until June 30 unless rescinded or extended. Gas or propane cook stoves are still allowed throughout the BWCAW. Stoves or grills fueled by charcoal, or any type of wood are not allowed. For current information, visit: https://www.fs.usda.gov/r09/superior/alerts

Weather: Today’s weather will be mostly cloudy with a chance of thunderstorms throughout the day, with a high temperature of 79 degrees. The minimum humidity will be around 45%. Light winds from the southwest will increase up to 18 mph in the afternoon. Minimal rain fell over the fire area over the past 24 hours.

📷: AT20 Tracked Vehicle, USDA Forest Service photo by L. Peters

06/04/2026

NOTICE: BWCAW campfire restrictions go into effect beginning Saturday morning (12:01) a.m., June 6, 2026 until June 30 unless rescinded or extended.
• Gas or propane cook stoves are allowed throughout the BWCAW.
• Stoves or grills fueled by charcoal, or any type of wood are not allowed.

The potential for wildfire is high across all ownerships in northern Minnesota at this time. It is extremely important that people are careful with any sources of ignition such as smoking devices, dragging chains, and recreational vehicles. If you are in a location where you can have a campfire outside the BWCAW consider if the conditions are right and if you need a fire. Be sure to keep your campfire small and put it out cold to the touch whenever you leave it. All permitted campfires must be attended all times.
For additional information regarding fire-related and/or forest closures and updates:
• Superior National Forest website https://www.fs.usda.gov/r09/superior/alerts
• Minnesota Incident Command System website at www.mnics.org
• For statewide fire restriction information: https://mnics.org/wpress/counties-added-to-spring-burning-restrictions-3-2/

​Before visiting the Superior National Forest, there is information you should know about. In the Alerts section you will find information about current co...

06/03/2026

Birch Bay Fire Update
Wednesday, June 3, 2026
MNICS Team A, Incident Commander Ryan Williams
Fire Information Line: 218-881-2512, 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Email: [email protected]

Online: https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/mnsuf-birch-bay-fire
https://www.facebook.com/SuperiorNF

Birch Bay Fire Quick Facts
Size: 35 acres Origin: 8 miles northwest of Ely, MN County: St. Louis
Start Date: June 1, 2026 Cause: Under Investigation Containment: 10% Total Personnel: 80

Key Message: A MNICS Type 3 Incident Management Team took over management of the Birch Bay Fire this morning. Firefighters continue to make progress, achieving 10% containment through coordinated ground and aerial suppression efforts yesterday. Firefighter and public safety remain the highest priorities.
Operations: Firefighters worked on building and strengthening containment lines around the fire using engines, crews, heavy equipment, and aviation resources. Crews made progress securing the anchor point and portions of the fire perimeter.

The northern edge of the fire had active fire behavior, firefighters used direct tactics to suppress several hotspots. Water-scooping aircraft and helicopters supported ground resources as conditions allowed. A hose line and saw line were established along the west edge of the fire. An engine crew remained overnight to monitor and patrol the fire area for any fire activity.

Planned Activity: Firefighters will continue constructing and reinforcing containment lines on the northern edge the fire perimeter. On the southwest edge of the fire perimeter, the hose line will be improved and additional saw line will be added. Crews will use direct suppression tactics where conditions allow by working along the fire’s edge to mop up hotspots and improve containment. Indirect containment strategies will also be utilized by strengthening containment features away from active fire to safely limit fire growth and protect nearby values at risk. Aircraft support is available today to support suppression efforts as conditions permit.

Evacuations: Saint Louis County has implemented the Ready, Set, Go notification system. Residents should remain aware of current evacuation information and monitor official county communication channels for updates. Current evacuation information can be found on the St. Louis County website at: https://sheriff-slcgis.hub.arcgis.com/

Closures: There are no current closures in effect, however firefighters and equipment are actively working on the fire. The public is asked to stay away from the North Arm Road area; give clearance to water scooping aircraft on Burntside Lake; and to NOT fly unmanned aerial systems (UAS) or drones anywhere near the fire area--a TFR (temporary flight restriction) is in place over the fire area. This will allow the firefighting aircraft pilots to fly safely and the firefighters on the ground to work safely. Please remember that if you fly, we can’t!

Burning Restrictions: Fire danger remains very high for the region. Please be aware of any burning restrictions that may be in effect. For current restrictions please visit: https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/forestry/fire/firerating_restrictions.html

Weather: Today’s weather will be sunny with dry conditions throughout. The minimum humidity will be around 20%. Light winds from the south will increase up to 20 mph in the afternoon. There is a slight chance for showers late in the day, but minimal rainfall is expected.