Superior National Forest

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.

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.

Firefighters are shifting their focus to the largest fire burning in the Boundary Waters as it progresses south. Rain the morning of July 17, 2026, provided temporary relief.

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.

Extreme fire conditions caused some of the 17 wildfires burning in the Superior National Forest to rapidly spread July 13-14, 2026.

Nearly 9,000 acres are estimated to be burning in the BWCA as of July 13, 2026, and the closure is for public safety. The Boundary Waters is not expected to fully reopen this summer.