Fire personnel member dies after medical emergency near Ely

Officials with the Superior National Forest announced Tuesday that a fire personnel member responding to wildfires near Ely has died.

The Eastern Area Complex Incident Management Team, under the command of the Superior National Forest and the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, said that an individual assigned to the July lightning fire incident experienced a “medical emergency” at approximately 10:40 a.m. Tuesday, Aug. 11, near Ely.

Fire personnel and emergency medical services responded and transported the patient to a hospital for treatment. After arriving at the hospital, the patient subsequently passed away.

Superior National Forest officials did not share the cause of death or provide any additional information.

“Our deepest condolences go out to the family and fellow firefighting community,” Superior National Forest officials said.

The agency said it would share an update and more information as it becomes available and is confirmed.

The Ely Echo reported on Tuesday evening that the individual is believed to be from Alaska, and the medical emergency was not related to the wildfires. A procession took place Monday afternoon near Ely for the individual who died.

Several wildfires continue to burn near Ely and within the western regions of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness.

Fire crews continue fire operations on the Camp Fire, Sioux Fire, Wolfpack Fire, Bear Trap Fire, and Thumb Fire. As of Monday, the Camp Fire was 84% contained, the Sioux Fire was 35% contained, the Bear Trap Fire was 41% contained, the Thumb Fire was 48% contained, and the Wolfpack Fire was 23% contained.

In total, the wildfires that resulted from the July lightning incident have burned nearly 74,000 acres, the majority of which is within the U.S. According to Superior National Forest officials, there are 761 personnel assigned to the July lightning fire incident.

Kalli Hawkins August 12, 2026