Horse River Fire (MNSUF)

Wildfire Status:

The Horse River Fire, detected on May 22, 2025, is an active wildfire located in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, approximately 16 miles northeast of Ely, Minnesota. The fire was ignited by a lightning strike in a remote and heavily forested area east of the Horse River. Currently, it is burning in mixed conifer and hardwood fuels and is characterized by low-intensity fire behavior, including smoldering and creeping, with some instances of torching. As of the latest update, the fire has burned approximately 15 acres and remains over a mile away from the nearest canoe travel route, posing no immediate threat to structures or key infrastructure.

The response to the Horse River Fire has been managed by a National Incident Management Organization (NIMO) team, which took command on May 28, 2025. This team is specialized in handling large-scale and complex wildfire incidents, particularly in sensitive areas like the BWCAW. Their primary objectives are to ensure the safety of firefighters and the public, minimize environmental impacts, and coordinate suppression efforts with the least intrusive methods possible. Ground access to the fire is limited due to dense vegetation and swampy terrain, making aerial observation and support crucial for effective management.

Current weather conditions in the area are not detailed in the provided information; however, the management teams are likely monitoring for any changes that could impact fire behavior. Given the unique challenges of operating within a protected wilderness area, the use of aerial resources has been emphasized to maintain oversight and control of the fire's progression while ensuring the safety of the surrounding environment and communities.

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