07/18/2026
Thank you WELY for sharing this heartfelt message 🤍
💙So many headlines describe this fire as devastating. It is. The devastation we’re experiencing is centered in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, and its impact is being felt by every person connected to this place.
I was born here. I’m proud to be a third-generation resident and proud to have raised two children here.
Behind every zone is a home or cabin filled with generations of memories. Behind many of those doors is also a livelihood. This fire’s effects will continue long after the smoke clears. While life may eventually return to normal for some, our community and the surrounding area will carry its impact for a long time.
This fire, combined with the perfect storm of timing, could not have come at a worse moment. I’ve seen this area thrive, and I’ve also seen what even a slower tourism season can mean for our local businesses. This isn’t just a slow season. For many, it has come to a complete halt.
As reports spread, some have unfortunately been interpreted as meaning, “Ely is closed.” The result? Phones are ringing with cancellations. My heart breaks for every family, every business owner, every employee, every outfitter, every resort, and every individual whose future suddenly feels uncertain.
If you’re one of those affected, please know you are on my heart every single day.
If you’re reading this from somewhere else and wondering, What can I do? Think outside the box. Book a future stay. Purchase a gift certificate. Buy merchandise or inventory online. If your circumstances allow and you have to cancel a reservation, consider allowing the business to keep all or part of your payment. These acts of support can make an incredible difference, especially for our resorts, outfitters, and small businesses that depend on this short season.
We will get through this the way our community always has, by standing together, caring for one another, and refusing to let anyone face this alone.
As much as my heart hurts, it is also overflowing with gratitude. Watching neighbors help neighbors, volunteers answer every call, businesses step up, donations pour in, and complete strangers offer kindness reminds me why this community is so special.
To every firefighter, incident management team member, law enforcement officer, EMT, dispatcher, public official, utility crew, volunteer, and every person working tirelessly behind the scenes, thank you. Those words don’t seem nearly big enough. Your dedication, sacrifice, and commitment to protecting our communities will never be forgotten. 💙
Here at WELY, we will continue doing everything we can to bring you timely, reliable information as this situation unfolds. Thank you for trusting us. And to those who have just found us over the past several days, welcome. We hope WELY feels like more than just a radio station. we hope it feels like home.
With gratitude,
Terri Pylka
A proud third-generation Ely resident
General Manager, WELY
