Long 2 Wildfire Update
Jul 04, 2026 06:43PM ● By Editor
Image: U.S. Forest Service
From the U.S. Forest Service - July 4, 2026
Long 2 Wildfire Update, July 4, 2026
Cause: Lightning
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July 3rd update:
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Original Post:
From the U.S. Forest Service - July 4, 2026
Long 2 Wildfire Update, July 4, 2026
Cause: Lightning
Location: South of Pine Lake on Long Lake within the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, north of Grand Marais
Current Status: Mid-afternoon on July 2, 2026, the Long 2 Fire was detected during a routine fire patrol flight on the Gunflint Ranger District of the Superior National Forest within the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW). This morning, four additional firefighters were flown in by Beaver aircraft to support direct suppression. The fire continues to smolder and creep in pine needle litter and brush, with occasional single tree torching. Firefighters have completed clearing the fire perimeter of vegetative fuels and have a hose line around 75% of the fire.
Planned Actions: Firefighters anticipate having hose line and the perimeter line cleared by the end of shift today. Overall, fire behavior is moderate, with 1–2-foot flames. Firefighters continue to use the hose line to spray and cool the fire down and use natural barriers such as the lakeshore for fire control lines. Aircraft are available for water drops as needed.
Closures: There are no closures within the BWCAW. This remains an active wildfire and conditions could change. The public is asked to STAY OUT of the fire areas for public and firefighter safety. Unauthorized unmanned aircraft system (UAS) flights threaten firefighter safety and wildland fire suppression efforts and are NOT allowed near the fire area and are illegal in federally designated wilderness areas.
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July 3rd update:
Long 2 Wildfire Update, July 3, 2026
Cause: Lightning
Location: South of Pine Lake on Long Lake within the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, north of Grand Marais
Current Status: Mid-afternoon on June 2, 2026, the Long 2 Fire was detected during a routine fire patrol flight on the Gunflint Ranger District of the Superior National Forest within the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW). This morning, six firefighters were flown in by Beaver aircraft to begin direct suppression. The fire is smoldering and creeping in pine needle litter and brush. Additional firefighters have been requested. The fire has been determined to be lightning caused by recent thunderstorm activity earlier in the week.
Planned Actions: Firefighters established a safe access route from the lakeshore to the fire area and have begun direct suppression. A water pump site has been established, and a hose line is set up to deliver water to the fire’s edge. The fire line and hose line will allow the fire crew to use direct suppression on the fire edge utilizing water and minimizing impacts to the landscape. Firefighters are using natural barriers such as the lakeshore for fire control lines. Aircraft are available for water drops as needed.
Closures: There are no closures within the BWCAW. This remains an active wildfire and conditions could change. The public is asked to STAY OUT of the fire areas for public and firefighter safety. Unauthorized unmanned aircraft system (UAS) flights threaten firefighter safety and wildland fire suppression efforts and are NOT allowed near the fire area and are illegal in federally designated wilderness areas.
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Original Post:
A wildfire has been reported in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, south of Pine Lake, in Cook County.
The Long 2 Wildfire is being assessed by firefighters for suppression options. Updates will be provided as more information is available. The wildfire is approximately 1-2 acres. Public are asked to stay out of the area for their safety and firefighter safety.
Drones are NOT allowed near the fire area and are illegal in the BWCAW.
