Update - 7.15.26 at 12:25 p.m. - The Canadian fire on our border has crossed into the U.S. in Lake County. The estimated size of the fire is 6000 acres in the U.S. Most of the movement was on the south side of the fire down to the approximate area of Ogishkemuncie Lake in Lake County. The U.S.F.S was unable to fly this morning to do a size up due to the smoke. They are hoping to try again this afternoon if things clear up enough to fly.

Due to the south area of this fire moving into the US, in coordination with the U.S.F.S. we have decided to move the midtrail area of the Gunflint Trail west of Hungry Jack Lake Rd. and the northern parts of the townships of Schroeder, Tofte and Lutsen into "Ready" status. The End of the trail is still in a "Set" status.

Code Red messaging will go out soon for the new "Ready" areas

Update for end of the Gunflint Trail - July 14th at 7:40pm.

USFS flew this morning and visually inspected the fire. The Sheriff's Office was advised that the fire was still in Canada at that time but would most likely run into the US near the Monument Portage this afternoon. This, along with the changing wind direction, was our line to move to "set" on our evacuation plan.

USFS gave us an update just a few minutes ago - They were able to fly a plane with infrared camera technology to get a better view of the fire. The fire has not moved into the US yet but again is close to crossing at the Monument Portage and would expect it to overnight.

With the wind direction change, we are receiving a large amount of smoke and ash from this fire along with a number of other fires in Canada. This is expected from such large fires.

When we have additional information, we will post as soon as we are able. Please be safe, stay indoors due to the smoke if possible, and no campfires please.