An “individual assigned to” the wildfires in and around the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness has died following a “medical emergency,” the U.S. Forest Service announced Tuesday.

Few details were available Tuesday evening surrounding what appears to be the first fatality associated with the forest fires that have been burning since early July.

WDIO-TV in Duluth reported that the medical incident was not related to firefighting activities.

According to a statement from the Forest Service, the emergency, which was not described, occurred at 10:40 a.m. “in the vicinity of Ely.”

The statement continued: “After arriving at the hospital, the patient subsequently passed away. When additional information is available and confirmed, an update will be provided.

“Thank you for your patience and understanding. Our deepest condolences go out to the family and fellow firefighting community.”

On Tuesday, fire officials reported 750 personnel overall were working five large wildfires in the Superior National Forest.

©2026 The Minnesota Star Tribune. Visit startribune.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC