Minnesota Fires

Daily Wildfire Report for Minnesota - July 31, 2026

Overview

Minnesota is experiencing an unprecedented wildfire season, driven by early July dry thunderstorms that produced thousands of lightning strikes across the northeastern part of the state. Record heat, low humidity, and critically dry vegetation in the boreal forests have allowed these fires to grow rapidly. A peacetime state of emergency remains in effect, with the Minnesota National Guard activated to assist in the response. The current National Preparedness Level is 4, indicating national resources are heavily committed, while the Eastern Area is currently at Preparedness Level 3.

Current Situation

Fire Activity: There is currently significant wildland fire activity in northern Minnesota, specifically within and around the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW). The Eastern Area Incident Management Team has taken command of the "July Lightning Incident," which spans over 64,100 acres across Cook, Lake, and St. Louis counties. Nearly 1,000 firefighters from across the U.S. and Canada are assigned to the complex. Fire crews have reached approximately 60% overall containment on the wildfires, aided by recent overnight storms that brought much-needed rain and cooler temperatures to slow fire activity.

Key Fires:

• Bear Trap Fire: Located south of Lac La Croix and 20 miles north of Ely, this lightning-caused fire has burned approximately 13,500 acres (combined with the Dark Fire) and is currently 38% contained. Fueled by heavy timber and dry boreal forest vegetation, the fire previously exhibited extreme behavior, including crowning and spotting, and crossed the international border into Canada. Recent rainfall has temporarily slowed its spread, allowing crews to reinforce lines.
• Sioux Fire: Located north of the Echo Trail and east of Jeanette Campground, this fire has burned 12,591 acres and is 42% contained. It is burning through heavy timber and dry brush. Firefighters are contending with hazards such as falling trees weakened by fire, wind, and rain, while actively widening fuel breaks along the Echo Trail to protect nearby values at risk.
• Little Knife Fire: Originating in Ontario and crossing into the U.S., this fire has burned 4,958 acres on the American side and is now 70% contained. Crews are continuing to monitor the perimeter and mop up hot spots in the timber and brush fuels.
• Camp Fire: Located 5 miles north of Winton, this fire has burned 4,357 acres and is 69% contained. Firefighters are patrolling containment lines along the east and south perimeters and extinguishing isolated hot spots in the timber understory.

Prescribed Burns and Land Management: Due to the extreme fire risk, elevated burning restrictions remain in effect for Cook, Lake, and northern St. Louis counties. No open burning permits will be issued or activated, and campfires are strictly prohibited for dispersed, remote, or backcountry camping to prevent new human-caused starts. Additionally, portions of the BWCAW remain closed to the public due to fire danger.
Air Quality: While recent rain has helped clear some of the historic, unprecedented smoke pollution seen earlier this month, localized smoke impacts continue near the active fire perimeters. Residents in northern Minnesota should remain aware of fluctuating air quality and monitor local alerts.

Weather and Wind Warnings

Current Weather: Pockets of heavy rain fell overnight Thursday over the western and northern parts of the fires. This system ushered in a cold front, bringing drier and cooler weather to the region over the last 24 hours.
Forecasted Weather: While the cooler temperatures and recent precipitation have provided temporary relief and aided suppression efforts, a strong drying trend is expected heading into the weekend. Firefighters remain on high alert for new lightning-caused ignitions from recent storm cells.

Recommendations

Public Awareness: Residents and visitors are urged to follow all evacuation orders and strict burn restrictions. It is critical to keep drones away from firefighting operations; flying drones in the area is illegal and will immediately ground all aerial firefighting support, endangering crews on the ground.
Resource Allocation: Nearly 1,000 personnel, including the Minnesota National Guard and international crews, are actively engaged. Agencies are prioritizing structure protection, establishing control lines, and managing the complex logistics of fighting deep-seated fires in remote, heavily forested terrain.

Resources

For up-to-date emergency information, residents can visit:
National Interagency Fire Center (NIFC): www.nifc.gov/fire-information/nfn
Minnesota Incident Command System (MNICS): mnics.org
Minnesota Department of Natural Resources: dnr.state.mn.us

Stay informed and prepared by monitoring these resources regularly.