MN wildfires: Parts of Boundary Waters opening for day use starting Monday
Minnesota wildfires: Crews start to contain fires
Crews continue to battle the Minnesota wildfires, but rain and cooler weather have helped with containment. FOX 9's Soyoung Kim has more.
(FOX 9) - Day-use access in some areas of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness is opening for visitors who obtain a permit from the U.S. Forest Service.
Limited access granted to Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness
Timeline:
Beginning on Monday, July 27, day-use permits will open for visitor use of select BWCAW entry points in Cook County. Day use will remain closed at other entry points.
Overnight access permits will remain canceled through Wednesday, July 29, and no overnight camping is allowed.
What they're saying:
BWCA outfitter opening for visitors amid northern Minnesota wildfires
Sawbill Canoe Outfitters is preparing to reopen on Monday, July 27 after a more than week-long BWCA closure due to growing wildfires across northern Minnesota.
Acting Forest Supervisor Drew Stroberg spoke about their hopes for the coming forecast and containing the wildfires.
"If there is no major wildfire activity this weekend, the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness might partially open for overnight camping next week," Stroberg said. "We are trying to balance visitor and firefighter safety with people's desire to visit the Wilderness. We take both responsibilities very seriously."
The backstory:
Lake County deputies escorted some residents to properties in areas closed off by the Camp Fire wildfire on Thursday.
Residents who provided proof of identification and property ownership in the area were given supervised access after checking in with authorities.
Little Knife Lake fire update
What they're saying:
According to the National Interagency Fire Center (NIFC), the Little Knife Lake wildfire is 13% contained as of Thursday evening.
Fire activity was minimal on the Little Knife Fire Wednesdsay, and the fire remains at 4,958 acres. About 55 personnel are assigned, with engines assessing structures along the Gunflint Trail and incoming specialized crews preparing for strategic suppression in the BWCAW.
Fire containment is being managed by the National Incident Management Organization (NIMO).
Latest updates on wildfire containment
Local perspective:
Officials with the U.S. Forest Service—Superior National Forest say they are continuing to send resources to contain and respond to wildfires in the region.
Crews are establishing containment lines and removing brush to prevent fires from reigniting and spreading.
Authorities are also trying to make as much progress as possible ahead of expected dry weather.
The Source: This story uses information from Superior National Forest officials, state emergency response teams and previous FOX 9 reporting.