Boundary Waters Podcast Ep. 132 – Fire Season

Superior National Forest Wildfire Map, July 23, 2026

When this episode was recorded and later posted on July 23, 2026, Ely resident and Wilderness guide LynnAnne Vesper had been evacuated from her home due to the Camp Fire–the closest of several fires burning in the Superior National Forest, the Boundary Waters Wilderness and Quetico Provincial Park. The fires were ignited during a lightening storm that moved across the region and into Ontario, Canada on July 7th, 2026.
When the evacuation order was issued, Vesper was on a Boundary Waters trip in the numbered lakes area east of Ely. In this candid conversation, she shares her thoughts on “the unprecedented nature of these fires,” including her personal observations on the conditions that were present in the Wilderness before the storm moved through, including the prevalence of dead Balsam Fir trees caused by Spruce Budworm, unusually hot, dry weather and other factors that created explosive fire conditions across the region.
Vesper also explains her understanding of the term “natural” fire and what she views as public misconceptions about the history of wildfire in the Boundary Waters, and gives an update on smoke conditions and community morale in Ely.

We also speak with Erik Carlson, fire technician and “burn boss” for the Grand Portage Band of Ojibwe, who offers historical and cultural context about fires, prescribed burns and wildfire management as it relates to the BWCAW.

To follow current wildfire and evacuation updates visit the Superior National Forest Incident Information page.