Additional "GO!" evacuation notifications will now be displayed across the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW) in Cook, Lake, and St. Louis counties to align with the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness Closure, which was updated on July 13, 2026. This change ensures consistency between the National Forest System lands and county evacuation messaging. It does not affect any additional residences or private property.
Fire managers, the USDA Forest Service, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, and officials from Cook, Lake, and St. Louis counties continue to meet regularly to assess fire conditions and coordinate response efforts. These meetings help ensure that advance notice can be provided to the public if changes to Ready, Set, Go evacuation statuses become necessary.
As part of the response to the Camp Fire, Lake County established a temporary evacuation point at the Babbitt Municipal Building, 71 South Drive, Babbitt, Minnesota, on July 14, 2026. Public Health staff from Lake County and St. Louis County have been jointly staffing the facility each day from 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.
The temporary evacuation point will remain open on Thursday, July 16. Any residents impacted by the fire, heat or poor air quality are welcome to utilize the facility during operating hours.
