Minnesota Mom Aids In Rescue From Afar When Family's Boundary Waters Trip Ends In Wildfire Evacuation

CBS Minnesota

Updated on: July 15, 2026

An annual Boundary Waters Canoe Area trip for a family from White Bear Lake, Minnesota, ended early after wildfires forced visitors to evacuate the wilderness.

For nearly eight years, the Hoefer family of 11 has made the trip each summer. This year, however, multiple wildfires prompted the U.S. Forest Service to close the BWCA to visitors for only the third time in its history.

Shane Hoefer and five of his children were deep in the wilderness near Lake Insula when they learned they needed to leave.

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