Horse River fire in BWCAW 100% contained, fire danger across state low

Since detected 18 days ago, the Horse River fire in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness is now 100% contained.

The fire began in a heavily forested area following a lightning strike and, in shy of three weeks, had burned 13 acres. The Horse River fire is located in a remote area in the BWCAW northwest of Basswood Lake and Jackfish Bay. The fire occurred over a mile from the nearest canoe travel route and did not threaten any structures or infrastructure.

Fire officials with the National Incident Management Organization said that “much of the Horse River Fire footprint has self-extinguished, with no heat detected in the two previous operational periods.”

Northeast Minnesota has experienced cooler temperatures and precipitation over the past week, which has helped stabilize dry conditions and fuel moisture in the Superior National Forest. Fire officials said cooler weather this week will continue to moderate fuel moisture.

Fire danger in the BWCAW and across the entire state has been designated as low, according to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. As of June 9, burning restrictions were eased.

DNR Fire Danger June 9

The BWCAW and northeast region can expect “popcorn” showers and isolated thunderstorms starting Monday afternoon and overnight, said Nathan Lynum, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service based in Duluth.

Lynum said another round of rain showers will move through the region on Tuesday, creating a “rinse and repeat” of the last couple of days. Then, later in the week, temperatures will warm to the 60s and 70s throughout the area, with sunshine in the forecast.

WTIP spoke with Nathan Lynum, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service based in Duluth, on Monday, June 9, for a week outlook. The audio is below.

Kalli Hawkins June 9, 2025