Sioux Fire Grows to 7,368 Acres in St. Louis County, MN: Evacuations Continue as Wolfpack Fire Merges Into Larger Incident
The Sioux Fire burning north of the Echo Trail and east of Jeanette Campground near Tower, Minnesota, has expanded to 7,368 acres, prompting continued evacuation orders and increasing concern for communities throughout St. Louis County. Fire officials warn the wildfire continues to threaten areas along the Echo Trail, with the potential to spread farther south if weather and fire behavior become more favorable.
According to the Superior National Forest, the Wolfpack Fire has officially merged with the Sioux Fire. As a result, the Wolfpack Fire incident has been deactivated, and all firefighting resources are now focused on the larger Sioux Fire.
Sioux Fire Latest Update
The Sioux Fire remains one of Minnesota’s most significant active wildfires. Firefighters continue working to protect homes, cabins, recreational areas, and critical infrastructure while monitoring changing weather conditions that could increase fire activity.
Sioux Fire at a Glance
- Location: North of the Echo Trail and east of Jeanette Campground near Tower, Minnesota
- County: St. Louis County
- Current Size: 7,368 acres
- Status: Active
- Merged Incident: Wolfpack Fire
- Primary Threat: Continued spread along the Echo Trail with potential movement farther south
- Evacuations: Active in threatened areas
Wolfpack Fire Officially Merges with Sioux Fire
The Superior National Forest announced that the Wolfpack Fire has merged into the Sioux Fire, resulting in the Wolfpack Fire incident being deactivated. This consolidation allows incident management teams to coordinate suppression efforts under a single wildfire operation while providing more efficient resource allocation.
For residents, this does not mean the fire danger has ended. Instead, it reflects that both fires are now being managed as one larger wildfire incident.
Evacuation Orders Remain Critical
Residents and visitors within evacuation zones should continue following instructions from local emergency officials.
If your neighborhood has been placed under an evacuation order:
- Leave immediately if instructed.
- Monitor official county emergency updates.
- Do not attempt to return until authorities declare it safe.
- Prepare for rapidly changing fire conditions, especially if winds increase.
Wildfires can change direction quickly, making early evacuation one of the most effective ways to protect lives.
Echo Trail Remains at Risk
The Echo Trail continues to be one of the primary areas of concern. Heavy forest fuels, dry vegetation, and changing winds could allow the Sioux Fire to continue spreading southward.
The Echo Trail is a popular route serving:
- Remote cabins
- Campgrounds
- Resorts
- Canoe access points
- Recreational visitors to the Superior National Forest
As fire activity increases, additional road closures and access restrictions remain possible.
What This Means for the Community
The Sioux Fire is affecting far more than the immediate burn area.
Communities across northern St. Louis County are experiencing:
- Evacuations disrupting families and businesses.
- Temporary closures of recreational areas.
- Reduced tourism during the busy summer season.
- Smoke impacts affecting air quality across portions of northeastern Minnesota.
- Increased pressure on emergency responders and firefighting resources.
For many residents, the uncertainty surrounding evacuation timelines and changing fire behavior creates ongoing challenges while firefighters work to slow the fire’s advance.
Firefighters Continue Aggressive Suppression Efforts
Fire crews remain focused on protecting lives, homes, and critical infrastructure while constructing containment lines where conditions allow. Aircraft, heavy equipment, and ground crews continue working together to reduce fire spread despite difficult terrain and dense forest fuels.
Weather conditions—including wind shifts, low humidity, and dry vegetation—will continue playing a significant role in the fire’s behavior over the coming days.
Stay Informed
Residents should continue monitoring official updates from:
- Superior National Forest
- St. Louis County Emergency Management
- Minnesota Department of Natural Resources
- National Weather Service
Conditions can change rapidly, and evacuation zones may expand if fire activity increases.
Final Thoughts
The Sioux Fire has grown to 7,368 acres, becoming an even larger incident following the official merger with the Wolfpack Fire. While firefighters continue working tirelessly to protect communities, the wildfire remains an active threat to areas along the Echo Trail and could continue pushing farther south if conditions worsen.
Residents should remain prepared, follow evacuation orders immediately, and stay informed through official emergency agencies as suppression efforts continue.
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