Harrowing evacuations as Boundary Waters closes amid wildfires
TL;DR
As large wildfires forced the closure of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, the Forest Service evacuated an estimated 6,000–10,000 visitors. Campers recounted tense, smoke-filled escapes by canoe, embers falling on evacuees, and urgent orders to leave as fires engulfed campsites around Pipestone Bay and Basswood Lake; outfitters and Forest Service crews helped transport people by boat, with some groups evacuated well into the evening amid deteriorating air quality.
- ‘Sky on fire’: Boundary Waters campers recall tense moments as flames neared MPR News
- Live updates on Wildfires in Minnesota MPR News
- Minnesota’s wildfire season is changing. The Boundary Waters fires show how. Star Tribune
- Forest Service closes BWCA on July 14 The Ely Echo
- Family camping trip takes a frightening turn as BWCAW wildfires close in Duluth News Tribune
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