Ely MN

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.

As wildfires burn, they release a mixture of toxic compounds like heavy metals, mercury and carcinogenic chemicals that form from burning organic matter.

The size of the fires, weather conditions and remote location create a complex, long-term situation. Fires aren't expected to be fully out until it snows.

Due to smoke from Boundary Waters wildfires, the MPCA issued air quality alerts for large parts of Minnesota. The alert lasts until at least Friday, July 16, 2026.

Sophomore Violet Udovich of Ely took home two golds and a silver, setting records in the 200 and 400-meter.

The fire grew to its current size within hours of starting northwest of Burntside Lake on June 1, 2026, amid high temperatures, low humidity and light winds.

Area athletes to watch at the 2026 meet include Aitkin junior Ashley Asmus, Ely sophomore Violet Udovich and West Marshall seniors Emily Marquis and Markelle Pederson.

The public can learn more about ongoing projects in the forest on Thursday, April 23, 2026.

Defending champions Pequot Lakes will be joined by Northeast Range/Ely, Bemidji, Brainerd, Cloquet, Thief River Falls and Warroad at the state robotics tournament in May 2026.