WELY Radio

06/09/2026

Catch it at 8am, Noon, and 4pm!

Ely's premier bait shop for live bait, tackle, hunting gear, and camping supplies. Voted #1—expert advice and fresh stock daily! Call 218-365-5358.

06/06/2026

Congratulations to the Ely Girls Track & Field team on an incredible Class A State Runner-Up finish! 🥈🎉

A special shoutout to Violet Udovich, who captured TWO State Championships in the 400-meter dash with an amazing time of 54.94 and in the 200 with a time of 23.89🏆🎊

What an outstanding achievement for the entire team. Way to go, Ely! ❤️ 👏

Soooo the Ely girls team did a thing today…
Not pictured: Lydia and Izzy

06/04/2026

🚨Important Announcement

The Superior National Forest Restricts Campfire Use within the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness
Drying conditions across northern Minnesota prompts campfire restrictions in the BWCAW

Duluth, Minn. June 4, 2026—Due to continued dry conditions and wildfire danger conditions, the Superior National Forest is issuing an Emergency Forest Order for campfire restrictions effective June 6, 2026 at 12:01 a.m. within the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW). This Order restricts the ignition, building, maintaining, attending, or using a fire or campfire, including charcoal grills and barbeques, coal, and woodburning stoves to reduce the likelihood of a wildfire within the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW). Campfire restriction information and Exhibit A-Closure Map will be posted to the forests Alerts page https://www.fs.usda.gov/r09/superior/alerts

BWCAW campfire restrictions go into effect beginning Saturday morning (12:01) a.m., June 6, 2026 until June 30 unless rescinded or extended:

• Gas or propane cook stoves are allowed throughout the BWCAW.

• Stoves or grills fueled by charcoal, or any type of wood are not allowed.

The potential for wildfire is high across all ownerships in northern Minnesota at this time. It is extremely important that people are careful with any sources of ignition such as smoking devices, dragging chains, and recreational vehicles. If you are in a location where you can have a campfire outside the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, consider if the conditions are right and if you need a fire. Be sure to keep your campfire small and put it out cold to the touch whenever you leave it. All permitted campfires must be attended all times.

For additional information regarding fire-related and/or forest closures and updates:
Superior National Forest website https://www.fs.usda.gov/r09/superior/alerts
Minnesota Incident Command System website at www.mnics.org

06/04/2026

Tonight’s the first of the Downtown Ely and Night 🦉 Thursdays! Stores open for evening browsing so you don’t miss any of the precious day time hours on the lake or trail!

06/03/2026

💙 We are feeling incredibly grateful today!

A huge thank you to Kevin, one of our wonderful listeners, for donating this beautiful handmade table to WELY Radio. The support, kindness, and encouragement we receive from this community never cease to amaze us.

It's gestures like these that remind us how special our listeners truly are. Thank you for the love, support, and for being part of the WELY family. 💙

We appreciate you more than words can say!

06/03/2026

🔥 Birch Bay Fire Update at 8:00 p.m. on June 2, 2026 🔥

Today, Firefighters had a successful day of fire suppression work on the Birch Bay Fire constructing fire lines and setting up hose lines to deliver water on the ground and utilizing aircraft for water drops to cool hot spots along the fire edge. Crews did not see very much fire spread throughout the day and were able to begin implementing direct suppression actions along the northeast side of the fire while also exploring opportunities for direct and indirect suppression actions along the south side of the fire.

On the ground mapping is being used to get a more accurate idea of the fire's size and perimeter location. Additional fire and map updates will be provided on Wednesday.

Due to additional support needs that are required on this fire the Superior National Forest local Type 3 organization will be transitioning command of the fire to a Minnesota Incident Command System (MNICS) Type 3 Team. MNICS Team A will arrive this evening and is expected to take command of the fire on Wednesday (6/3) morning.

This remains an active wildfire and Wednesday's forecast includes another day of near-critical fire weather. The public is reminded to stay away from the North Arm Road area; give clearance to water scooping aircraft on Burntside Lake; and to NOT fly unmanned aerial systems (UAS) or drones anywhere near the fire area. This will allow the firefighting aircraft pilots to fly safely and the firefighters on the ground to work safely. If you fly, we can't! Thank you!


📷: Night Operations 6/2/26, USDA Forest Service photo by H. Wissmiller

06/02/2026

🚨 Here’s the latest update on the Birch Bay Fire🚨

The wildfire, located west of the North Arm of Burntside Lake about eight miles northwest of Ely, is now estimated at 30 to 35 acres and has approximately 65 personnel assigned. The fire was first detected mid-afternoon on June 1st near Lindskog Road/North Arm Road and has moved through part of an existing prescribed fire area known as Geraldine.

Firefighters from multiple agencies, including the U.S. Forest Service, continue aggressive suppression efforts today using a combination of direct and indirect tactics. Crews are working to establish and strengthen fire lines where conditions allow, while also utilizing previously established prescribed fire lines to help guide containment efforts. A Hot Shot crew has been ordered to support ongoing operations.

A variety of resources remain on scene, including engines, tracked vehicles, wildfire modules, and aircraft support. Helicopters and CL-415 Super Scooper aircraft have been making water drops to cool hot spots and slow fire activity. Structure protection is in place along Lindskog Road and North Arm Road in case the fire moves toward private property.

Weather conditions remain a concern, with hot temperatures, low humidity, and light winds contributing to active fire behavior. Officials continue to monitor conditions closely and will adjust evacuation levels as needed in coordination with St. Louis County Sheriff’s Office, Emergency Management, and partner agencies.

The public is strongly urged to stay out of the North Arm Road area, remain alert to changing conditions, and keep clear of firefighting aircraft operating over Burntside Lake. Please remember: drones must not be flown near the fire area—this creates serious safety risks and can ground aircraft. If you fly, they can’t.

For the latest verified updates, follow official sources and stay tuned to WELY Hometown Radio.

06/02/2026

🔥 Birch Fire Update 🔥

The fire is roughly 35 acres.

A SET evacuation notice has been issued for Zone SL-1.

A READY evacuation notice has been issued for Zones SL-2 and SL-3.

Residents in affected areas should stay informed and be prepared to act if conditions change. Evacuation zones can be viewed on the Watch Duty app or by visiting the St. Louis County Sheriff Wildfire Evacuation Map.

Please continue to monitor official sources for the latest updates and follow guidance from emergency management and public safety officials.

06/02/2026

06/02/2026

🚨 Birch Bay Fire Update 🚨

Firefighters continued working overnight to suppress the Birch Bay Fire, which is currently estimated at 25–30 acres. Aircraft completed water drops before sunset, while ground crews remained on scene with a night shift in place.

Crews and aircraft will return this morning to continue suppression efforts and assess fire growth. The cause of the fire remains under investigation.

A huge thank you to all responding agencies, including the U.S. Forest Service, St. Louis County Sheriff’s Office, Minnesota DNR, and the Morse-Fall Lake, Babbitt, Ely, and Eagles Nest Fire Departments.

⚠️ Public Safety Reminder:
• Avoid the North Arm Road area.
• Stay clear of water-scooping aircraft operating on Burntside Lake.
• Do not fly drones near the fire area.

Today is expected to bring another day of hot, dry conditions, increasing fire danger. Please use caution and allow crews to work safely.

Stay tuned to WELY Radio for updates. 🔥🚒📻