2026 Superior National Forest Wildfires

Boundary Waters entry points near Big Moose Lake and Big Lake are also scheduled to reopen on Aug. 13, 2026.

Drew Brockett of Piragis Northwoods Co. in Ely said it was a huge relief to have Fernberg corridor entry points open. But outfitters are still feeling the impact of continued closures.

Aircraft play an essential role in fighting wildfires. Seaplanes from the Ely seaplane base drop water, fire retardant and deliver firefighters — and canoes — to the blazes.

The delayed Forest Service grants would have supported prescribed burns and other fuel-reduction efforts on thousands of acres near the Echo Trail, which has borne the brunt of this year’s fires.

The Superior National Forest announced the July 31, 2026, openings as Phase 3 of its reopening of the BWCAW, as well as the opening of recreation sites in the western forest.

Campfires are now allowed in designated fire rings at Superior National Forest campgrounds, but not at backcountry sites, after updates to fire restrictions July 29, 2026.

The reopened area is about 39% of the wilderness area and follows a partial reopening for day use on July 27, 2026. All other entry points remain closed due to wildfires.

Rain has helped limit fire activity, but heat remains trapped in leaf litter on the forest floor, and firefighters are still hard at work.

Firefighters are using sprinkler systems and fuel removal to protect structures like homes from wildfire. The systems work to dampen the areas around structures to prevent fire.

Periods of reduced air quality due to wildfire smoke are expected for the rest of the warm season as fires continue to burn in Northern Minnesota and Canada.