<![CDATA[Ely Community Response ]]>https://elycommunityresponse.substack.comhttps://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!osYh!,w_256,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fee5598d1-f3db-4246-a737-843b64ecbe10_1280x1280.pngEly Community Response https://elycommunityresponse.substack.comSubstackThu, 03 Sep 2026 21:07:22 GMT<![CDATA[Boundary Waters DAY USE opening for Cook County entry points]]>https://elycommunityresponse.substack.com/p/boundary-waters-day-use-opening-forhttps://elycommunityresponse.substack.com/p/boundary-waters-day-use-opening-forFri, 24 Jul 2026 15:02:41 GMTWhile the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW) remains under a Closure Order, the U.S. Forest Service continues to evaluate conditions daily and is beginning to reopen select areas where it is safe to do so.

What’s New

Beginning Monday, July 27:

  • Day-use permits will reopen at select Cook County entry points. These are the first BWCAW entry points to reopen since the wildfire closures began.

  • All other day-use entry points remain closed at this time.

Overnight Trips

  • All overnight BWCAW permits are canceled through Wednesday, July 29, 2026.

  • No overnight camping is currently allowed anywhere in the BWCAW.

Colored map showing red hash for closed area and green open areas

What This Means

The Forest Service is reopening access gradually and only where conditions allow. Fire activity, weather, and available firefighting resources continue to determine which areas can safely reopen.

Although the current Closure Order remains in effect through October 1, that date is the administrative expiration of the order—not a timeline for when the entire Boundary Waters will reopen. The closure can be modified, reduced, or lifted before then as conditions improve.

If you have a permit later this summer, don’t assume your trip is canceled. The Forest Service is reviewing permit entry points daily and will continue adjusting access as it is safe to do so.

Support Local Businesses

One of the best ways to help is to support Wilderness edge communities from wherever you are. Purchasing a gift card, ordering online, or booking a future visit provides immediate support for local business owners, employees, and their families.

Learn more with the article below:

]]><![CDATA[Ely is OPEN! And there's hope that the Boundary Waters will reopen… partially…]]>https://elycommunityresponse.substack.com/p/ely-is-open-and-theres-hope-thathttps://elycommunityresponse.substack.com/p/ely-is-open-and-theres-hope-thatWed, 22 Jul 2026 23:11:02 GMT

On Wednesday, July 22, the US Forest Service announced that in an effort to re-open select areas of the BWCAW (as fire activity, weather and resources allows) the Forest Service is evaluating BWCAW Quota Recreation.gov permits on a daily basis.

BWCAW permits are currently cancelled through July 24, 2026. The U.S. Forest Service is evaluating conditions every day with the goal of reopening portions of the Boundary Waters as soon as it is safe to do so.

If you have an August or September permit, your trip has not been automatically canceled. Permit holders will be notified at least one week before their scheduled entry date if their permit must be canceled.

Here’s what you need to know:

  • Ely remains open for visitors. Businesses, restaurants, lodging, and attractions outside the closure area continue to welcome guests.

  • BWCAW permits are currently canceled only through Friday, July 24 (for now).

  • Permit holders will be notified at least one week before their scheduled entry date if their permit must be canceled.

So why the October 1 date?

The October 1 date is the expiration of the current Closure Order. It is an administrative end date, not a prediction that the entire Boundary Waters will remain closed until October. The Forest Service can modify, reduce, or rescind the closure at any time as fire activity, weather, and available resources allow.

As of Wednesday, July 22, the Forest Service said it is actively working to reduce the closure and reopen select areas of the BWCAW when conditions are safe.

We know the headlines have caused confusion, but the situation is changing regularly. If you’re planning a trip later this summer, don’t assume it’s canceled. Watch for updates from the U.S. Forest Service and Recreation.gov as your entry date approaches.

Direct InciWeb updates from the U.S. Forest Service

]]><![CDATA[TONIGHT! Community Meeting @ 7 PM]]>https://elycommunityresponse.substack.com/p/tonight-community-meeting-7-pmhttps://elycommunityresponse.substack.com/p/tonight-community-meeting-7-pmSun, 19 Jul 2026 21:28:31 GMTFROM THE:
U.S. Forest Service-Superior National Forest

Community Meeting

July Lightning Incident | Wildfire Situation Update

Sunday, July 19, 2026 @ 7 pm

Vermilion Technical College auditorium

1900 E. Camp Street, Ely

Virtual live option: Superior National Forest Facebook page

@facebook.com/SuperiorNF

Agenda:

Welcome & Meeting Logistics

Lenore Lamb, Southern Area Complex Incident Management Team, Public Information Officer

Fire Status & Summary of Operations

Shane Sturgill, Southern Area Complex Incident Management Team, Operations Section Chief

Fire Behavior

Art Gonzales, Southern Area Complex Incident Management Team, Fire Behavior Analyst

Weather Outlook

Kari Fleegel, Incident Meteorologist

Smoke Impacts

Molly Hunter, Air Resource Advisor

Community Impacts

Tanner Spicer, Ely Chamber of Commerce, President

Leader’s Intent

Tom Hall, Superior National Forest, Agency Administrator

Kyle Smith, Southern Area Complex Incident Management Team, Incident Commander

******************************************************************

Q&A BREAK-OUT SESSIONS:

• Fire operations

• Fire behavior, weather, smoke

• Evacuations

• Leadership

• Public information

• Community

Fire Information: 218-881-2091

Email: 2026.JulyLightningEvent@firenet.gov

Inciweb: inciweb.wildfire.gov search “July 2026 Superior NF Wildfires”

May be a graphic of text
]]><![CDATA[Want to Help the Ely Community? Here's How.]]>https://elycommunityresponse.substack.com/p/want-to-help-the-ely-community-hereshttps://elycommunityresponse.substack.com/p/want-to-help-the-ely-community-heresFri, 17 Jul 2026 18:31:52 GMT

The ongoing fires affecting northeastern Minnesota* have impacted far more than our forests. Local businesses, nonprofits, tourism organizations, and community programs are experiencing canceled trips, reduced visitors, interrupted operations, and lost income.

*We recognize that our neighbors on the eastern side of the BWCA along the Gunflint Trail are also impacted by wildfires. Our team is based in Ely and best equipped to facilitate Ely-area support.

If you’ve been asking, “How can I help if I can’t visit Ely right now?” here are some of the most meaningful ways to support our community.

This post includes tips for supporting firefighters, local businesses, and nonprofits.

Every Contribution Matters


Whether you donate to a nonprofit, support emergency responders, buy a gift card, reserve a future canoe trip, or simply share this post, you’re helping sustain the people, businesses, and organizations that make Ely such a special place.

Our community is resilient, and every act of generosity helps us recover together.

Support Firefighters & Emergency Responders

Many people have asked how they can support the firefighters and emergency personnel responding to these fires.

The Best Ways to Help

Donate to the Wildland Firefighter Foundation, which provides direct assistance to wildland firefighters and their families.

If you’d like to support local emergency response efforts, consider donating to the Gunflint Fire Department or St. Louis County Rescue Squad, whose teams are assisting with emergency response and public safety.

Please Do Not Send Supplies

Local and regional emergency response leaders have confirmed that most firefighters do not need donations of food, beverages, clothing, or other supplies at this time.

The U.S. Forest Service is providing food, lodging, and logistical support for wildland firefighters. While these donations come from a place of generosity, unsolicited items often cannot be accepted or used during active incidents.

Financial donations to trusted organizations are the most effective way to help.

*We acknowledge that firefighters work for multiple different agencies and operate under myriad protocols. However, generally speaking, it remains true that firefighters do not need donations of food, beverages, clothing, or other supplies at this time.

Support Local Businesses

One of the best ways to help is to support Wilderness edge communities from wherever you are. Purchasing a gift card, ordering online, or booking a future visit provides immediate support for local business owners, employees, and their families.

Ways to Help

  • Buy gift cards to use later.

  • Book a future stay, guided trip, or canoe adventure.

  • If you’re able, consider keeping existing reservations instead of requesting refunds.

  • Share your favorite Ely businesses on social media.

  • Give a 5-star review of your favorite local businesses on whichever sites you use (Facebook, Google, Trip Advisor, and so on).

  • Come to the area to engage in commerce and participate in community events, or plan to visit when conditions meet your needs.

  • Shop online from Ely businesses.

  • Note that downtown businesses and local service providers remain OPEN. Help us combat the misconception that Ely is shut down. We remain committed to our culture of gathering.

Ely Restaurants, Coffee & Food

For a more complete list of Ely area business and restaurants, consult the Ely Summer Times.

Ely Shopping & Gifts

Ely Services

Support Many Businesses with One Purchase

Purchase an Ely Indie Gift Card, accepted at many locally owned businesses:
https://giverrang.com/ely-mn-gift-cards/

Support Local Nonprofits

Many Ely-area nonprofits provide essential services, care for vulnerable residents, protect our natural resources, and strengthen our community. During this challenging season, many are experiencing increased demand while fundraising and events have been disrupted.

Organizations to consider supporting include:

If you are a local nonprofit with an immediate need, please email elycommunityresponse@gmail.com so we can add your organization to this resource.

While we are highlighting a handful of local nonprofits with this post, we celebrate all of Ely’s 100+ nonprofit organizations. Disruptions to our typical summer commerce have ripple effects that impact all groups.

Did We Miss Someone?

If you own an Ely-area business that offers gift cards, online shopping, or shipping—or if you represent a nonprofit or community organization that should be included—please email elycommunityresponse@gmail.com.

We’ll continue updating this community resource as needs evolve.

Please share this post. Every donation, purchase, and share helps support the Ely community.

]]><![CDATA[Support Ely from anywhere! ]]>https://elycommunityresponse.substack.com/p/support-ely-from-anywherehttps://elycommunityresponse.substack.com/p/support-ely-from-anywhereThu, 16 Jul 2026 22:40:15 GMT

Many people have asked, “How can I help Ely if I can’t visit right now?

One of the best ways is to **buy a gift card, order online, or purchase merchandise** from our local businesses. Every purchase helps support local families and employees while our community recovers.

Support Local Businesses

One of the best ways to help is to support Wilderness edge communities from wherever you are. Purchasing a gift card, ordering online, or booking a future visit provides immediate support for local business owners, employees, and their families.

Ways to Help

  • Buy gift cards to use later.

  • Book a future stay, guided trip, or canoe adventure.

  • If you’re able, consider keeping existing reservations instead of requesting refunds.

  • Share your favorite Ely businesses on social media.

  • Give a 5-star review of your favorite local businesses on whichever sites you use (Facebook, Google, Trip Advisor, and so on).

  • Come to the area to engage in commerce and participate in community events, or plan to visit when conditions meet your needs.

  • Shop online from Ely businesses.

  • Note that downtown businesses and local service providers remain OPEN. Help us combat the misconception that Ely is shut down. We remain committed to our culture of gathering.

Ely Restaurants, Coffee & Food

For a more complete list of Ely area business and restaurants, consult the Ely Summer Times.

Ely Shopping & Gifts

Ely Services

Want to support many businesses with one purchase?

Buy an Ely Indie Gift Card, accepted at many locally owned businesses:

https://giverrang.com/ely-mn-gift-cards/

Ely Gift Cards | Indie Prepaid Gift Card

Did we miss your business? If you own a local business that offers gift cards, online ordering, shipping, or an online store, please comment below with your website or send an email to: elycommunityresponse@gmail.com

We’ll keep updating this post, so it becomes a community resource for anyone looking to support Ely from anywhere.

Please share! Every purchase helps keep Ely’s small businesses strong during this challenging time.

]]><![CDATA[Volunteer to staff the Ely Community Response station at the State Theater. ]]>https://elycommunityresponse.substack.com/p/volunteer-to-staff-the-ely-communityhttps://elycommunityresponse.substack.com/p/volunteer-to-staff-the-ely-communityThu, 16 Jul 2026 19:58:36 GMT

If you’re local to the Ely area and wondering how you can help, consider signing up to volunteer at our info station at Ely’s Historic State Theater. We are seeking support from 10:00am to 9:00pm on Friday, July 17 through Sunday, July 19.

Sign Up for a Shift


Furthermore, consider supporting the organizations and businesses that make the Ely community strong.

How can I support wildland firefighters?

If you would like to donate, please make a donation to the Wildland Firefighter Foundation!

Local and regional emergency response leaders have confirmed that firefighters DO NOT need additional food, beverages, clothing, or other donated items at this time.

The U.S. Forest Service is providing food, shelter, and other essential support for wildland firefighters. While donations are well-intentioned, unsolicited food, clothing, and other items often cannot be used during disasters.

Community organizations to consider supporting!

Donate to our local nonprofits!

Many local nonprofits provide essential services, preserve the area’s natural resources, support arts and education, or serve residents of all ages. Financial contributions can help them continue their work during a challenging season.

Organizations to consider include:

  • United Way of Northeastern Minnesota is closely monitoring these fires and working with our colleagues in disaster relief and recovery to share the most up-to-date opportunities to seek or offer help in the communities we serve. Make a note in donation that you want all of your donation to go to Ely Fire Response. www.unitedwaynemn.org/firehelp

  • Ely Community Resource – Youth programs, community education, outdoor experiences, can help local families in transition or crisis. Donate here.

  • Ely Area Food Shelf - Support the Ely Area Food Shelf to help alleviate hunger for residents: Donate here

  • Contented Critters - send donations to help support food donations, pet boarding, air filters for the facility, and more! https://www.contentedcrittersmn.org/donate

  • Northwoods Partners - Support community elders and their caregivers in the Ely area. Donate here.

  • More to come! If you are a local area nonprofit and have a need, please fill out our form or email elycommunityresponse@gmail.com and we will add to this list!

Even if an organization wasn’t directly damaged by the fires, many are experiencing reduced donations, canceled events, or fewer visitors.

Don’t forget local businesses & other organizations

Many Ely businesses rely heavily on summer tourism. Outfitters, restaurants, lodging providers, retailers, guides, artists, and other small businesses may experience significant financial impacts from fire-related closures, smoke conditions, or canceled travel plans.

If you’re able to help, consider:

  • Purchasing gift cards to use later.

  • Shopping online from local stores.

  • Booking a future stay or guided trip.

  • Not asking for a refund for existing trips.

  • Ordering products from Ely businesses.

  • Sharing your favorite local businesses on social media.

  • Visiting when conditions improve.

Every contribution Matters

Whether you donate $10 to a nonprofit, buy a gift card from a local business, reserve a future canoe trip, or simply spread the word, your support helps sustain the people and organizations that make Ely such a special place.

Our community is resilient. By supporting local organizations and businesses, we can help ensure they’ll continue serving residents and welcoming visitors for years to come.

If you know of another Ely-area nonprofit or business that should be included in this list, let us know. We’ll continue updating this resource as the community’s needs evolve.

Thanks for supporting Ely Community Response! Subscribe for free to receive updates on community needs and resources in and around Ely, Minnesota.

Share your story! We are creating a public record of community members and groups who are providing emergency support.

Send an email to elycommunityresponse@gmail.com to share stories, news links, or photos.

]]><![CDATA[Looking for places to donate to support Ely during the wildfires? Start here.]]>https://elycommunityresponse.substack.com/p/looking-for-places-to-donate-to-supporthttps://elycommunityresponse.substack.com/p/looking-for-places-to-donate-to-supportThu, 16 Jul 2026 01:02:38 GMT
Photo: Megan Wind (White Iron Lake)

The ongoing fires affecting the Ely area have impacted far more than the forests. Local nonprofits, small businesses, tourism organizations, and community programs are feeling the effects of canceled trips, reduced visitors, interrupted operations, and lost income.

If you’re wondering how you can help, consider supporting the organizations and businesses that make the Ely community strong.

How can I support wildland firefighters?

If you would like to donate, please make a donation to the Wildland Firefighter Foundation!

Local and regional emergency response leaders have confirmed that firefighters DO NOT need additional food, beverages, clothing, or other donated items at this time.

The U.S. Forest Service is providing food, shelter, and other essential support for wildland firefighters. While donations are well-intentioned, unsolicited food, clothing, and other items often cannot be used during disasters.

Community organizations to consider supporting!

Donate to our local nonprofits!

Many local nonprofits provide essential services, preserve the area’s natural resources, support arts and education, or serve residents of all ages. Financial contributions can help them continue their work during a challenging season.

Organizations to consider include:

  • United Way of Northeastern Minnesota is closely monitoring these fires and working with our colleagues in disaster relief and recovery to share the most up-to-date opportunities to seek or offer help in the communities we serve. Make a note in donation that you want all of your donation to go to Ely Fire Response. www.unitedwaynemn.org/firehelp

  • Ely Community Resource – Youth programs, community education, outdoor experiences, can help local families in transition or crisis. Donate here.

  • Ely Area Food Shelf - Support the Ely Area Food Shelf to help alleviate hunger for residents: Donate here

  • Contented Critters - send donations to help support food donations, pet boarding, air filters for the facility, and more! https://www.contentedcrittersmn.org/donate

  • Northwoods Partners - Support community elders and their caregivers in the Ely area. Donate here.

  • More to come! If you are a local area nonprofit and have a need, please fill out our form or email elycommunityresponse@gmail.com and we will add to this list!

Even if an organization wasn’t directly damaged by the fires, many are experiencing reduced donations, canceled events, or fewer visitors.

Don’t forget local businesses & other organizations

Many Ely businesses rely heavily on summer tourism. Outfitters, restaurants, lodging providers, retailers, guides, artists, and other small businesses may experience significant financial impacts from fire-related closures, smoke conditions, or canceled travel plans.

If you’re able to help, consider:

  • Purchasing gift cards to use later.

  • Shopping online from local stores.

  • Booking a future stay or guided trip.

  • Not asking for a refund for existing trips.

  • Ordering products from Ely businesses.

  • Sharing your favorite local businesses on social media.

  • Visiting when conditions improve.

Every contribution Matters

Whether you donate $10 to a nonprofit, buy a gift card from a local business, reserve a future canoe trip, or simply spread the word, your support helps sustain the people and organizations that make Ely such a special place.

Our community is resilient. By supporting local organizations and businesses, we can help ensure they’ll continue serving residents and welcoming visitors for years to come.

If you know of another Ely-area nonprofit or business that should be included in this list, let us know. We’ll continue updating this resource as the community’s needs evolve.

Thanks for supporting Ely Community Response! Subscribe for free to receive updates on community needs and resources in and around Ely, Minnesota.

Share your story! We are creating a public record of community members and groups who are providing emergency support.

Send an email to elycommunityresponse@gmail.com to share stories, news links, or photos.

Support Local Businesses

One of the best ways to help is to support Wilderness edge communities from wherever you are. Purchasing a gift card, ordering online, or booking a future visit provides immediate support for local business owners, employees, and their families.

Ways to Help

  • Buy gift cards to use later.

  • Book a future stay, guided trip, or canoe adventure.

  • If you’re able, consider keeping existing reservations instead of requesting refunds.

  • Share your favorite Ely businesses on social media.

  • Give a 5-star review of your favorite local businesses on whichever sites you use (Facebook, Google, Trip Advisor, and so on).

  • Come to the area to engage in commerce and participate in community events, or plan to visit when conditions meet your needs.

  • Shop online from Ely businesses.

  • Note that downtown businesses and local service providers remain OPEN. Help us combat the misconception that Ely is shut down. We remain committed to our culture of gathering.

Ely Restaurants, Coffee & Food

For a more complete list of Ely area business and restaurants, consult the Ely Summer Times.

Ely Shopping & Gifts

Ely Services

]]><![CDATA[Ely Community Response ]]>https://elycommunityresponse.substack.com/p/ely-community-responsehttps://elycommunityresponse.substack.com/p/ely-community-responseWed, 15 Jul 2026 17:08:23 GMT
May be an image of twilight

Photo: Bria Schurke

On July 9, 2026, lightning-sparked wildfires spread rapidly across the Superior National Forest and Boundary Waters during extreme heat, drought, and high winds, leading to evacuations, road closures, and the temporary closure of the BWCAW.

As the situation continues to evolve, Ely Community Response is coordinating local assistance by connecting people who need help with those who can offer it.

Need help or want to help?

Fill out the form below, and our volunteers will work to match needs with available resources. Please provide any free, voluntary, or discounted resources you are willing to provide.

FILL OUT THIS FORM

Need help in-person?

Visit the Ely Community Response Base at the Ely State Theater, open daily 10 a.m.–9 p.m., for in-person support, information, and volunteer opportunities.

We’re coordinating:

  • A real-time list of community needs

  • A real-time list of available resources and offers

  • Volunteer opportunities as needs evolve

You can help by:

  • Sharing this resource

  • Offering housing, supplies, services, or other assistance

  • Signing up to volunteer

  • Connecting people in need with available resources

  • Supporting local businesses

  • Following guidance from local officials

  • Checking in on neighbors and building community

Want to get real-time fire updates?

United Way

United Way of Northeastern Minnesota is closely monitoring these fires and working with our colleagues in disaster relief and recovery to share the most up-to-date opportunities to seek or offer help in the communities we serve.

www.unitedwaynemn.org/firehelp

Thanks for reading Ely Community Response ! Subscribe for free to receive updates and our works.

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