Two wildfires reported in Boundary Waters near Crane Lake in northern Minnesota

Two wildfires were reported in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness on Saturday afternoon, near the border between the U.S. and Canada.

The Tiger Fire was reported to authorities at 2:40 p.m. on Saturday and is located on the east end of Lac La Croix, approximately 22 miles east of Crane Lake.

The Shell Fire was reported to authorities seven minutes later at 2:47 p.m. east of Loon Lake, approximately 11 miles east of Crane Lake. Both wildfires sit within the LaCroix Ranger District.

“Firefighting resources are currently assessing suppression options,” Superior National Forest officials said in a June 6 Facebook post.

Authorities will provide updates as more information is made available. The public is asked to stay out of the area for their safety and for the safety of the responding fire crews.

The cause of the wildfires is unknown at this time.

A campfire ban went into effect in the BWCAW at 12:01 a.m. on Saturday, June 6. The Forest Service issued the campfire restrictions due to the continued dry conditions and high fire danger throughout the Superior National Forest.

Forest Service officials said the restrictions prohibit campfires and the use of coal- or wood-burning stoves within the BWCAW to reduce the risk of wildfire.

The order will remain in effect until June 30 unless conditions improve and the Forest Service rescinds or extends the order.

“The potential for wildfire is high across all ownerships in northern Minnesota at this time,” the Forest Service said in a Thursday news release. “It is extremely important that people are careful with any sources of ignition such as smoking devices, dragging chains, and recreational vehicles.”

This is a developing story.

Kalli Hawkins June 6, 2026