"This incident is notable for its rapid containment—remaining at 90% for nearly a month before reaching full containment—despite a sizable 4,815‑acre burn area and the deployment of up to 41 personnel. The estimated cost of over $2.8 million reflects significant resource commitment."
The Little Knife wildfire, located 45 miles northeast of Grand Marais in Lake County, Minnesota, was discovered on July 15, 2026. By August 6, the fire had burned 4,815 acres and was 90% contained, with 41 personnel on the scene and minimal fire behavior. Over the following weeks, containment remained steady at 90% until August 26 when it increased to 95%, and the fire was fully contained at 100% on September 4, 2026. The cause remains undetermined and the U.S. Forest Service is the jurisdictional agency. Throughout the timeline, personnel numbers fluctuated from 41 to as few as 2, and fire behavior shifted between minimal, creeping, smoldering, and moderate conditions, but the acreage stayed constant.
Official source description: 45 Miles NE from Grand Marais, MN
Minimal; Creeping; Smoldering
Good air quality. Outdoor activity is generally safe near this incident.
Nearest reporting station: Minnesota Arrowhead. Source: AirNow.gov (EPA).
The fire is currently fully contained with minimal behavior; standard wildfire safety precautions remain advised for the surrounding area.
IRWIN ID: {2ABF59D7-9768-4EAA-9728-3187A0A69506}
Discovered: Jul 15, 2026
Cause: Undetermined
Managing Agency: USFS
Est. Cost to Date: $2,862,505
Coordinates: 48.1611, -91.1048
Other wildfires that have recently been contained or dropped from official tracking in MN.
The Little Knife Fire has burned 4,815 acres as of September 4, 2026.
Yes, the Little Knife Fire is fully contained (100%).
The official cause has been listed as: Undetermined.
The Little Knife Fire is burning in Lake, MN.
Yes, as of the latest official update, the Little Knife Fire remains active.
Real-time map, acreage, and containment for every major U.S. wildfire, updated from official NIFC data.
View Live Map →