safety
Boundary Waters entry points closing amid northern Minnesota wildfires
By Josh Skluzacek at KSTP 5 Eyewitness News (ABC)
· July 13, 2026
· 2 min read
The Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness is closing entry points as more than a dozen wildfires continue to burn in northern Minnesota.
An official forest closure order was issued Monday morning, canceling BWCA permits this week as wildfires and extreme weather drive safety restrictions.
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Key takeaway The update said the forest closure takes effect at 12:01 a.
Why this matters in The Minneapolis
The closure of Boundary Waters entry points due to northern Minnesota wildfires has significant implications for Minneapolis residents who frequent the area for outdoor recreation. Many in the Twin Cities consider the Boundary Waters a prized destination for canoeing, hiking, and camping, and the closure may disrupt summer plans for some. The state's decision to declare a peacetime emergency and deploy the National Guard to assist with firefighting efforts underscores the severity of the situation. For Minneapolis residents, the fire restrictions and closures serve as a reminder to be mindful of fire safety when engaging in outdoor activities, even in areas outside of the Superior National Forest. As the situation continues to unfold, Minneapolis residents can expect updates on air quality and potential impacts on local outdoor events and activities. The economic impact of the closure on local businesses that cater to Boundary Waters visitors will also be worth monitoring.
About this story
Original reporting by KSTP 5 Eyewitness News (ABC) . The Minneapolis surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit KSTP 5 Eyewitness News (ABC) . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: safety ·
Published: July 13, 2026 ·
Source: KSTP 5 Eyewitness News (ABC) ·
Reading time: 2 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? The Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness is closing entry points as more than a dozen wildfires continue to burn in northern Minnesota.
An official forest closure order was issued Monday morning, canceling BWCA permits this week as wildfires and extreme weather drive safety restrictions.
T...
When was this published? This article was first published on July 13, 2026 by KSTP 5 Eyewitness News (ABC) and curated for The Minneapolis readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Josh Skluzacek at KSTP 5 Eyewitness News (ABC). To learn more about how The Minneapolis selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more safety coverage from The Minneapolis, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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