Minnesota Wildfires

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Minnesota wildfires could burn underground into winter
The wildfires scorching northeastern Minnesota now are especially challenging because they’re burning deeply into the ground. “Everything below your feet is on fire,” an expert tells MPR News.
Over a dozen wildfires are still burning in Superior National Forest and BWCA
More than a dozen wildfires are still burning in the Superior National Forest and the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. The BWCA remains closed until at least Friday.
Towboats, which are often controversial in the BWCA, praised for their role in fire rescues
Resort owners and outfitters in Ely played a critical role this week in helping evacuate canoeists from the Boundary Waters Canoe Area, as they used their motorized towboats to get people and their gear out. But there's long been a controversy over the use of noisy towboats in the quiet and pristine wilderness.
Wildfire smoke spreads: Air quality alert issued through Monday for most of Minnesota
Friday morning, the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency issued an air quality alert from 10 a.m. on Friday until 11 a.m. on Monday for east-central, west-central, north-central, northwest, central and northeast Minnesota.
As wildfires burn, an Ely theater opens its doors to community
The Northern Lakes Arts Association continues with its Broadway in the Boundary Waters production of “Jesus Christ Superstar” July 17-26, with lowered ticket prices, to provide an escape for community.
‘Still very extreme’: Officials see little reprieve as wildfires burn across NE Minnesota
Authorities on Friday estimated the summer fires have burned some 77,000 acres so far. As in prior briefings, they made it clear they expect to be fighting wildfires through the fall and that the work may not end until it snows.
Air quality conditions remain poor in northern Minnesota
Air quality indexes in northern and central Minnesota are forecast to be in the unhealthy or very unhealthy range, with heat exacerbating the impacts.