U.S. Forest Service reports a firefighter died today.
The Eastern Area Complex Incident Management Team, under the command of the Superior National Forest and the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources are aware that a medical emergency occurred on the July Lightning Fires involving an individual assigned to the incident at approximately 10:40 a.m., Tuesday, August 11, 2026, in the vicinity of Ely. Fire personnel and emergency medical services responded.
The patient was transported to a medical facility for treatment. After arriving at the hospital, the patient subsequently passed away.
It is being reported that the individual was from Alaska, and the medical emergency was not related to the fires themselves. A procession took place this afternoon for the deceased, who was transported from Ely to Superior.
When additional information is available and confirmed, an update will be provided.
