News & Local Affairs

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John Ek Fire in BWCA, August 2021. Photo courtesy of the US Forest Service

Wildfire reported at Isle Royale National Park, regional fire update

More wildfire news from the WTIP listening area, as Isle Royale National Park is experiencing a wildfire on the island’s east end.

Forest Service to shut down BWCA amid drought and wildfire concerns

Joe Friedrichs-

The Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness is closed.

John Elk Fire from August 20. Image courtesy of US Forest Service

More closures expected in BWCA as John Elk Fire continues to burn

Joe Friedrichs-

More closures are expected Saturday inside the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness as the John Elk Fire grew significantly Friday.

Greenwood Fire on Friday, August 20. Photo courtesy of US Forest Service

Greenwood Fire doubles in size following another windy, hot day near Isabella

Joe Friedrichs-

There was little relief from high winds and warm temperatures Friday as the Greenwood Fire doubled in size and is now more than 8,200 acres.

BWCA closure map of Sawbill area from August 20, 2021. Image courtesy of US Forest Service

Popular 'lady chain' near Sawbill Lake closes as Whelp Fire burns in BWCA

Joe Friedrichs-

Superior National Forest officials closed a popular area of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness on Friday near Sawbill Lake as fire danger continues to mount in the region.

Greenwood Fire burns near Lake County Highway 2. Photo by Byron Boler

Fire officials brace for challenging weekend as Greenwood Fire continues to grow

Joe Friedrichs-

U.S. Forest Service officials have warned home and cabin owners near the Greenwood Fire in Lake County that the winds could shift this weekend, putting their properties in danger.

Spruce budworm is impacting trees in Cook and Lake counties. Photo by Eric Otto

Dead trees impacted by spruce budworm fueling Greenwood Fire

Joe Friedrichs-

The Greenwood Fire burning in Lake County near Isabella continues to grow at a rate of about 1,000 acres per day, as Forest Service officials report Friday morning the fire is burning at nearly 5,000

Cook County School District 166 - WTIP file photo

ISD 166 to require masks for all students and staff as COVID cases spike in Cook County

Joe Friedrichs-

The Cook County School District (ISD 166) Board voted Thursday night to implement a mask requirement for all students and staff to start the upcoming 2021-22 school year.

WTIP shares report from Isabella and edge of the Greenwood Fire

Joe Friedrichs-

The Greenwood Fire near Isabella was approximately 4,000 acres and actively burning Thursday morning, according to the U.S. Forest Service.

The flag of the Grand Portage Band of Lake Superior Chippewa flies at Isle Royale

Rhonda Silence-

In July 2019, the National Park Service announced its recognition of Isle Royale—or Minong—as a “Traditional Cultural Property.” By announcing this federal designation, the Nat