Minnesota Wildfires

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Rainfall has helped slow wildfire activity in northeastern Minnesota, but hotter and windier weather Friday and through the weekend could fuel an increase in fire activity once again, which could affect Forest Service plans to re-open parts of the BWCA to the public.
Firefighters in NE Minnesota focus on protecting homes, cabins in case the wildfires spread
Firefighters are removing underbrush surrounding hundreds of homes and cabins around Ely, and installing temporary pumps, hoses and sprinklers, to protect them from the wildfires still burning around the Boundary Waters.
Some Boundary Waters day-use permits will be available starting Monday
Day-use access permits for select BWCA points of entry in Cook County will be open starting Monday. Overnight camping permits for all BWCA points of entry are still canceled through at least next Wednesday.
For 94-year-old evacuee, northern Minnesota wildfires are interrupting a long family tradition
The wildfires burning in northeast Minnesota have forced the evacuation of dozens of homes, cabins and resorts around Ely. For 94-year-old Donna Arbaugh, that’s interrupted a 71-year connection to her cabin.
As BWCA closure continues, outfitters are planning for a long financial hit
Wilderness outfitters affected by the Boundary Waters Canoe Area fires are concerned about cutting staff and finding other forms of income. But they’re also advocating a limited reopening of the wilderness to boost the local economy.
Minnesota getting a breather on air quality after unhealthy week
The entire state is expected to be in the moderate air quality category. However, that could change in Minnesota’s Arrowhead region if fires worsen, the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency said.