Overview
- The Camp Fire northeast of Ely spread more than four miles in about half a day and was estimated at roughly 1,500 acres, prompting expanded 'Go' evacuation orders for the full length of Fernberg Road on Tuesday.
- Officials have temporarily closed the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness and canceled permits through Friday to protect visitors and give crews room to operate as more than a dozen fires burn in the region.
- St. Louis County Sheriff Gordon Ramsay said fallen trees from earlier blowdowns and budworm damage are fueling explosive fire behavior while gusty winds push smoke toward Ely and lower visibility for evacuations.
- Aircraft and ground crews are dropping water and working evacuation points, and authorities reported 17 people were airlifted or awaiting air rescue from areas near the fires.
- Red flag warnings and an air quality alert through Thursday warn of continued dangerous fire conditions and smoky air, raising health risks for residents and complicating suppression and travel in northeastern Minnesota.