Superior National Forest Issues Emergency Closure for the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness
Jul 13, 2026 12:12PM ● By Editor
From the US Forest Service - July 13, 2026
Superior National Forest is temporarily closing public access to the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW) beginning July 14 at 12:01 a.m. This difficult decision comes after a surge of wildfires across the forest and unusually hot, dry and windy weather is causing fires to spread fast and unpredictably.
This closure is about keeping people safe. Wildfires don’t just threaten trees and campsites—they create dangerous smoke, unstable conditions, and rapidly shifting fire behavior that can trap visitors with little warning. Even healthy adults can experience breathing problems when smoke levels rise, and people with heart or lung conditions can be especially vulnerable. In a wilderness as large and remote as the Boundary Waters, emergency response is challenging even on a normal day; during potential widespread wildfires, those risks increase significantly.
For maps and more information on the emergency order, visit: https://fs.usda.gov/r09/superior/alerts
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Why are we closing the Boundary Waters?
A. Since Tuesday, July 7, Superior National Forest has experienced up to 19 wildfires, with new fires emerging daily. The current weather—hot, dry, and windy—is far outside our normal summer conditions and is helping fires spread more quickly. Many fires were sparked by recent thunderstorms, and more storms with lightning and little rain are expected. Under these conditions, it isn’t safe for people to travel, camp or paddle in the wilderness. Rapid fire growth and thick smoke can make it hard to breathe, hard to see and difficult for firefighters to reach anyone who needs help.
Q. Will wilderness rangers escort visitors out of the fire areas?
A. Right now, Forest Service staff are focused on firefighting and notifying the public. The BWCAW spans 1 million acres—too large and too remote for staff to safely locate and escort every visitor. Fires driven by wind can move quickly through dry vegetation, including areas affected by spruce budworm. By evacuating now, you support public safety by keeping efforts focused on wildfires. Public and firefighter safety is our number one priority.
Q. Will we cancel permits on the BWCAW?
A. Yes. The Forest Service has contacted cooperators and current permit holders.
Q. I used a cooperator for my permit for this area, what do I do?
A. Contact your cooperator to discuss your trip and possible options; permits in other areas are still available.
Q. How long will the closure be in place?
A. The closure will remain in effect until the fires are contained, and the risk to the public has decreased. We know how important the Boundary Waters is to local communities and the more than 150,000 people who visit each year, and we appreciate your patience as we work to restore safe conditions.
Q. What can we do to help firefighters?
A. The best way to help is to follow this closure order. Staying out of the Boundary Waters allows emergency responders to focus fully on fire suppression. Fuel conditions remain very dry, and new fire starts are possible
You can also help by following fire restrictions in your area; keeping human-caused fires from igniting protects your community and supports firefighter efforts.
Q. How do I find daily updates or more about the current fires?
A. Visit InciWeb, the official National Fire Incident System: www.inciweb.wildfire.gov. Zoom into your area and click the flame icon for more information.
Q. How many campsites will be affected by this closure on the BWCAW?
A. Around 1,900 wilderness campsites are included in this closure. If you’re looking for alternative places to explore, Superior National Forest offers 23 developed campgrounds, 18 rustic campgrounds, and 254 backcountry campsites outside the wilderness. Many of these sites are along remote canoe routes and offer quiet, scenic experiences with no fees, permits or reservations needed. Nearby state forests, parks and county lands also provide excellent recreation opportunities.
Q. Can I fly a recreational drone over the wildfires to take photos?
A. No. Unauthorized drones threaten firefighter safety and immediately halt aerial firefighting operations. If a drone is detected, aircraft must stop flying until crews can confirm it’s safe. All unauthorized drone flights over wildfire areas will be reported to the FAA and law enforcement. Drones are also prohibited from launching, landing or being controlled within designated wilderness areas – and may not be allowed in other areas of the national forest.
Remember, if you fly, we can’t.
Q. Is the Forest Service trying to put these fires out?
A. Yes. We are using full suppression tactics. Many fires are difficult to reach safely, and current weather—hot temperatures, strong winds, and low humidity—makes fire behavior more intense. Dry vegetation, including trees affected by spruce budworm, is fueling faster fire spread.
Q. What approach is the Forest Service using with this wildfire?
A. The Forest Service is using a full suppression approach. By Forest Service policy, every fire receives a strategic, risk-based response appropriate for the circumstances and associated threats and opportunities. Each strategy uses the full spectrum of management actions that consider fire and fuel conditions, weather, values at risk and resource availability.
Fire danger is very high from Duluth through Arrowhead to the North Shore due to drought conditions, warm weather and high winds. Fire danger is likely to remain high through the end of July. In addition to weather conditions, this area includes high fuel loads, due to spruce budworm affected trees – both standing and laying down that can increase fire behavior.
Because of these factors, a MNICS Type 3 team was ordered to help support forest suppression operations. This is not normal summer weather conditions for the area, and the Forest Service is responding in the best way possible.
Q. How is the current air quality situation affecting wildfire operations?
A. Air quality is changing daily based on wind direction, carrying smoke from fires on the Superior National Forest and in Ontario, Canada. For current air quality, visit AirNow.gov or the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency. In periods of heavy smoke, aircraft may not be able to operate safely, affecting suppression efforts.
