MINNEAPOLIMEDIA NEWS | Boundary Waters Begins Partial Reopening as Wildfire Containment Improves

ELY, MN (July 28, 2026). Portions of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness are beginning to reopen as firefighters make measurable progress against the large wildfire complex that has burned across northeastern Minnesota and neighboring Canada.

Gov. Tim Walz joined state, federal and local officials in Ely Monday to provide an update on fires ignited by lightning across the region in early July.

Officials said the fires were approximately 53 percent contained on average Monday, an improvement from the dangerous conditions that previously forced evacuations, entry-point closures and widespread travel restrictions.

The fires have affected an estimated 72,500 acres across the United States and Canada, according to information presented during the briefing. The combined figure should not be interpreted as acreage burned exclusively within Minnesota.

Reopening Will Occur Gradually

Officials have begun allowing access to some parts of the Boundary Waters, including the resumption of day trips and limited overnight use in areas where fire managers consider conditions safe.

Not all entry points, campsites, roads or wilderness areas have reopened. Restrictions remain around active fires, evacuation zones and locations where crews are moving equipment or completing suppression work.

Travelers should not rely on previous reservations or general reopening reports. They should verify the status of their specific entry point and route through the Superior National Forest or federal reservation system before leaving home.

Fire conditions can change rapidly because of wind, heat, dry vegetation and thunderstorms. Areas that reopen can be closed again if officials identify renewed danger.

Walz Considers Special Legislative Session

Walz said he was considering calling Minnesota lawmakers into a narrowly focused special session to address wildfire damage and the economic recovery of northern communities.

The governor identified August 11 or August 12 as possible dates and said the session could last approximately one day. He had not yet reached a formal agreement with House and Senate leaders.

Walz said any special session should concentrate on the fires and northern Minnesota’s recovery rather than becoming a vehicle for unrelated legislative issues.

A special session could allow lawmakers to consider emergency appropriations, assistance for local governments and businesses, infrastructure repairs or other recovery measures. No final package has been announced.

Economic Damage Extends Beyond Burned Acreage

Wildfire effects in the region extend beyond the forests directly touched by flames. Outfitters, resorts, restaurants, guides and retailers depend heavily on summer visitors to Ely and the Boundary Waters.

Closures can cause canceled reservations, lost wages and reduced revenue during the most important period of the year for tourism-dependent businesses. Communities may continue experiencing those losses even after individual routes reopen.

Fire suppression also places substantial demands on local roads, emergency services, public-safety agencies and municipal resources.

Firefighters Continue Working

Improved containment does not mean the fires have been extinguished. Containment refers to the portion of a fire’s perimeter where crews have established a control line expected to prevent additional spread under anticipated conditions.

Firefighters must continue reinforcing those lines, extinguishing hot spots, removing hazardous trees, protecting structures and monitoring areas where underground heat could produce renewed fire activity.

Residents and visitors should continue observing all evacuation instructions, fire restrictions and closure orders. Current conditions and access information are available through the Superior National Forest, Minnesota Incident Command System and local emergency-management agencies.

Sources: MPR News; KARE 11; CBS Minnesota; Minnesota Incident Command System

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