Four wildfires reported on Superior National Forest, three burning in BWCAW

Four wildfires have been reported on the Superior National Forest in northern Minnesota as of Tuesday evening, three of which are within the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW).

The Camp Fire is located approximately 7 miles northeast of Ely. The wildfire is approximately 1-2 acres in size, and fire officials said it has creeping ground fire activity. The fire is directly north of Cedar Lake and outside the BWCAW.

The three other fires are located within the BWCAW and primarily on the western side of the wilderness area.

The Bear Trap Fire is located by the Bear Trap River, north of Sunday Lake. It is currently 0.10 acres, with a single tree strike burning.

The Thumb Fire is also approximately 0.10 acres, with a single tree strike burning. It is located by Thumb Lake and Contentment Lake, directly west of Finger Lake.

Four wildfires are burning within the Superior National Forest, three of which are in the BWCAW | Graphic by Watch Duty

Farther to the northwest, the Section 3 Pond Fire is approximately one acre as of Tuesday evening. It is located on Section Pond, just south of the Canadian Border and east of Lac La Croix.

Superior National Forest officials said firefighting resources are assessing suppression strategy options for all four wildfires.

Updates will be provided as more information is available. The public is asked to stay out of the area for their safety and the safety of firefighters.

Drones are NOT allowed near the fire area and are illegal in federally designated wilderness areas.

Thunderstorms rolled through the northern Minnesota region on Monday evening bringing heavy rains to the region. More precipitation and storms are expected on Tuesday evening, according to the National Weather Service.

Kalli Hawkins July 7, 2026