safety
More burning restrictions implemented in northern Minnesota as dry conditions and wildfires continue
By Star Tribune
· July 12, 2026
· 1 min read
Some 17 wildfires continue to burn in the area and dry conditions persist. More than a dozen entry points into the BWCA near Ely were closed Saturday and access to 15 lakes near Quetico will close Sunday.
Key takeaway More than a dozen entry points into the BWCA near Ely were closed Saturday and access to 15 lakes near Quetico will close Sunday.
Why this matters in The Minneapolis
The closure of 13 entry points into the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness near Ely will have a direct impact on local outfitters and guide services, many of which rely on summer tourism to sustain their businesses. With the Ely area being a major gateway to the BWCA, the loss of access to these entry points may lead to a significant decrease in visitors, affecting not only the outdoor industry but also the local economy as a whole. Residents and business owners in the area will be watching closely to see how the Forest Service manages the situation and when the entry points might be reopened. The closure also raises concerns about the potential for wildfires to spread to other parts of the state, and the need for continued vigilance and cooperation between local, state, and federal agencies to prevent and respond to these types of incidents.
About this story
Original reporting by Star Tribune . 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 .
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Category: safety ·
Published: July 12, 2026 ·
Source: Star Tribune ·
Reading time: 1 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? Some 17 wildfires continue to burn in the area and dry conditions persist. More than a dozen entry points into the BWCA near Ely were closed Saturday and access to 15 lakes near Quetico will close Sunday.
When was this published? This article was first published on July 12, 2026 by Star Tribune and curated for The Minneapolis readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Star Tribune. 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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