Bailey Shinn, her husband and three children evacuated a Boundary Waters campsite Monday after the Camp Fire spread rapidly toward their site near Pipestone Falls.
Two texts from Shinn’s mother — not an official alert — warned that BWCAW would close Tuesday and that the July 7 fire north of Ely had triggered immediate evacuations.
About 90 minutes later, the family was on the water heading for Fall Lake Landing, 7 miles away, as heavy smoke darkened the sky and nearby boaters shouted that their campsite could burn.
The family left behind bulky gear including a tent, while planes, helicopters and outfitters moved toward the fire and evacuation effort.
Shinn said the ordeal will change how her family prepares for future BWCAW trips, underscoring the need for location updates and reliable communication in remote areas.