Wildfires in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness have burned more than 70,000 acres, prompting evacuations and closures across multiple counties.

Wildfires in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness have scorched more than 70,000 acres, forcing local officials to implement evacuations and closures across several counties. The fires began on July 6 following a series of thunderstorms that produced approximately 1,000 lightning strikes. Fire crews are currently focused on containment, monitoring, and protecting structures as weather conditions fluctuate. The three largest fires include the Bear Trap Fire, which has burned 34,545 acres south of Lac La Croix; the Thumb Fire, covering 15,394 acres; and the Sioux Fire, which has consumed 10,837 acres. The U.S. Forestry Service and local officials met with residents at Vermillion Community College on Sunday night to provide updates on the situation. While crews continue to work on direct handlines and aircraft monitoring, officials warned that changing weather patterns may increase fire activity in the coming days.

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