Boundary waters fire full#

Airplanes have been dropping water on the fires to help contain them. No firefighters are currently on the ground in the wilderness because of difficult access and concerns about safety. It also means it can be difficult to get adequate resources. That means there are many fires burning nationwide, and most firefighting resources, like crews, engines, bulldozers, and aircraft are already committed to other fires. The United States is currently at the highest possible level of wildfire activity.

Boundary waters fire full#

All permits for this time period have been canceled, and holders will receive full refunds. The closure will be in place for at least a week, until August 28, when officials will reevaluate the situation. Thank you for your cooperation and understanding.” We understand it will have significant impacts on business and our visitors. No new wilderness entry permits are being issued at this time. The wilderness was also closed for the first few weeks of the 2020 paddling season due to COVID-19. The last time such an order was issued was in 1976, when another historic drought gripped the region. The John Ek Fire, located in the heart of the Boundary Waters wilderness, has grown to over 700 acres. Several other fires are also burning on the forest, with conditions windy, dry, and dangerous. The closures come as the Greenwood Fire continues to grow, currently at about 9,000 acres, with no containment yet.

“These emergency restrictions are necessary for the public’s health and safety due to the vicinity of fires and extreme drought conditions in the Superior National Forest,” the closure order reads. Rangers have been traveling through the wilderness by canoe, boat, and float plane, informing visitors that they must leave. Forest Service has closed the entire Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness to visitors for at least until September 3, as wildfires rage and few firefighting resources are available. Superior National Forest Fire Information Line: 21 The John Ek Fire burns, photo courtesy USDA Forest Service The U.S.