Single Publication

Horse River Wildfire Facts Sheet-May 23, 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: 5-10 acres 

Location: E. of the Horse River, Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness
Containment: 0% 

Cause: Lightning

 Resources: Aircraft

Start Date: May 22, 2025

Status: 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.

Planned Operations: Fire management staff will fly the fire this morning to strategically plan access options and firefighter engagement due to the fire’s remote location. The area is remote, over a mile off any canoe route, and is a mix of swamp and forested landscape, so access is very challenging.

National Weather Service Forecast: Today-Mostly cloudy, with a high near 58. North wind around 5mph, with gusts up to 15mph. Tonight-Areas of frost after 3am. Otherwise, partly cloudy, with a low of 33. Northeast wind around 5mph becoming calm. Tomorrow-Slight chance of sprinkles between 11am and noon, then a slight chance of showers after noon. Areas of frost before 8am. Otherwise, mostly sunny, with a high near 65. Calm wind becoming north around 5mph in the afternoon. Chance of precipitation is 20%.

Closures: None. Public are asked to stay out of the fire area for safety of themselves and firefighting resources.

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.