Fires are sweeping across the Boundary Waters and much press has narrowed in on daring wilderness rescues, emotional evacuations and heavy clouds of smoke burying the region in air quality alerts — and for good reason.
Historic homes and cabins are threatened, thousands of acres of boreal forests have burned and families worry for the safety of loved ones living in or visiting the area.
In the middle of all the action, however, Ely continues to thrive.
Shops and restaurants are still serving customers, diverted campers are making the most of cancelled Boundary Waters trips with fishing and shopping excursions, and locals are out walking dogs with masks on.
Firefighters are pouring in from around the United States and the command center will be located in Ely Memorial High School, which will receive financial compensation for their hosting efforts.
The wildfires have proven Ely’s adaptive and communal character in many ways.
Local businesses have opened their doors to the men and women putting out flames from Crane Lake to the Canadian border and the Gunflint Trail, with some offering free food and necessities.
Just a quick glance at Ely’s community social media pages will reveal residents’ efforts to open up spaces on their properties, in their homes and in short-term rentals for free to those who have been forced to evacuate their homes or abandon long-planned travel itineraries.
At the edge of the boreal forest and the end of the road, Ely will continue to do what it does best: thrive alongside Mother Nature in the toughest of conditions and make the most of every moment along the way.
We thank the firefighting teams, local businesses, law enforcement and community members who have gathered together around these fires — as well as the visitors who continue to support Ely throughout it all.
THANK YOU FIREFIGHTERS!
