Wildfire Updates & Visitor Information

Staying informed during the 2026 wildfire season

Wildfires and changing weather conditions can affect travel plans, recreation, and access across northern Minnesota. This page serves as a central resource for the latest information related to Voyageurs National Park and the surrounding region.

We'll share important updates as they become available and provide links to official agencies for the most current information on wildfires, air quality, park operations, and safety.

Before traveling to Voyageurs National Park, we encourage all visitors to check the latest conditions.

Current Status

Last Updated: July 13, 2026 – 12:00 PM

Red Flag Warning issued for extreme fire risk
The National Weather Service has issued a Red Flag Warning for 13 counties in northern Minnesota effective Monday, July 13, from 11 a.m. until 10 p.m. due to extreme fire danger. 

Affected counties include Beltrami, Carlton, Cass, Clearwater, Cook, Hubbard, Itasca, Koochiching, Marshall, Lake, Lake of the Woods, Roseau, and St. Louis.

A Red Flag Warning means fires can spread quickly and grow out of control under the predicted weather conditions, including very high temperatures, strong wind gusts, and low relative humidity. Residents should not burn in counties where a Red Flag Warning is in effect and should also check any recent burning they did to ensure the fire is completely out. The DNR will not issue or activate open burning permits for large vegetative debris burning and discourages campfires during the Red Flag Warning. People should use caution when doing activities that can cause sparks or heat near vegetation by securing trailer chains, parking ATVs on gravel or pavement, and using chainsaws or other equipment outside of the Red Flag warning hours.

"Any spark could become a wildfire under Red Flag Warning condition and embers can be carried for over a mile in high winds like this," said Karen Harrison, DNR wildfire prevention specialist. "People should use extreme caution until conditions improve."
Red Flag Warnings are evolving situations. Visit the National Weather Service for updates.  

Currently, there are additional burning restrictions in place for Cook, Lake, and northern St. Louis County. For more information and daily updates on current fire risk and open burning restrictions, visit the statewide fire danger and burning restrictions page of the DNR website. To receive text updates on current fire risk and open burning restrictions in Minnesota text “FIRE” to 66468.

Current conditions are changing rapidly due to active wildfires and extreme fire weather across northern Minnesota. Some communities near Voyageurs National Park may experience smoke, temporary closures, or evacuation notices depending on fire activity.

We encourage all visitors to monitor official sources before traveling.

Wildfires Across the Border Region

Wildfires occurring in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW), Quetico Provincial Park, Superior National Forest, and surrounding areas can influence conditions throughout northern Minnesota and Ontario. Smoke, temporary closures, and fire restrictions in neighboring public lands may affect travel plans, even if Voyageurs National Park remains open.

For visitors planning trips throughout the region, we recommend following updates from trusted local sources that track wildfire activity across the entire border lakes area.

More on the latest Boundary Waters & Quetico wildfire updates:

Helpful Resources

Before You Visit

  • Check current park alerts

  • Review wildfire activity

  • Monitor air quality

  • Confirm lodging and campground availability

  • Have a flexible travel plan

Fire Safety

  • Follow all fire restrictions

  • Never leave a campfire unattended

  • Do not burn during Red Flag Warnings

  • Report smoke or wildfire immediately

Frequently Asked Questions