Single Publication

Horse River Wildfire Fire Update 

May 25, 2025

Fire Information: 218-432-0953, 8 a.m.–5 p.m.

Inciweb: https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/mnsuf-horse-river-fire

Horse River Fire Quick Facts 

Size: 9 acres               Location: E. of the Horse River, Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness

Containment: 0%                  Cause: Lightning                               Resources: Aircraft 

Start Date: May 22, 2025

Planned Operations: Yesterday, six rappelers were inserted by a helicopter to the fire. Two additional firefighters will be canoeing to the area today.  Crews will be scouting access on the ground and looking at the viability of different suppression options. The fire is currently creeping and smoldering; it received some precipitation yesterday. Firefighter and public safety remain the top priority, along with wilderness values, and cultural values. Acreage adjustment due to more accurate GPS data collection. Public safety wilderness rangers continue to patrol the area assisting the public in fire awareness. 

National Weather Service Forecast: Today- Sunny; high near 68. Calm wind becoming northeast around 5 mph. Tonight- Mostly clear, with a low around 40. East wind around 5 mph becoming calm. Tomorrow- Mostly sunny, with a high near 69. Calm wind becoming southeast around 5 mph in the afternoon.

Closures: An Emergency Forest Closure Order is in process to close the Winter Route Trail (mushing trail) between Jackfish Bay and Lower Basswood Falls. Paddlers in the area are advised to stay away from the area for their own safety. Currently, Basswood River and Horse River travel routes are open. Campsites on the Basswood River are still open. For public safety, the public should move directly through the area and be aware that conditions could change. Continue to follow the fire’s Inciweb page for current incident fire details and updates.

Air Operations: Aircraft are available and may be brought in to help support the fire. A reminder - flying drones over the fire is prohibited. If drones are detected near the fire, any air operations supporting the fire will stop. Drones are illegal in federally designated wilderness areas. 

Overview: On May 22, 2025, aircraft detected smoke east of the Horse River, within a remote part of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. Initial acreage was estimated at 5-10 acres, with 2-4’ flame lengths. Fire management staff identified the strike tree on a ridgetop where lightning struck, initiating the wildfire. The fire is burning in a mixed boreal forest with conifer (pine trees), and hardwood trees like birch and aspen. Blowdown is limited in the area. Ground access is very poor; safety of firefighters and the public are the top priorities.