The wildfires in Northern Minnesota in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area (BWCA) continue to burn. Some of the fires are still largely uncontained. About 25 fires started on July 7th from lightning strikes, combined with abnormally warm and dry conditions. Now, the U.S. Forest Service is confident enough in the fire behavior that they are planning a partial reopening this week.
The BWCA was closed and evacuated, and initially set the full closure to October 1st. Earlier this week, they opened some entry points for limited day use. Now, as long as conditions remain stable, they'll allow overnight use in central and east portions of the BWCA.
39% Of The Boundary Waters Canoe Area Reopens Thursday
They're opening up about 432,500 acres of the BWCA now, which accounts for about 39 percent of the total BWCA. Multiple fires continue to burn, and those areas are still restricted.
Entries are opening in Gunflint, Kawishiwi, LaCroix, and Tofte Ranger Districts.
The Gunflint Ranger District has most of its entry points open; the 33 Little Gabbro Lake entry point opens in the Kawishiwi District, with all others closed. 11 entroy points open in the Tofte Ranger District.
You can see updates and entry points that are reopening on the United States Forest Service BWCA page.
Read More: Firefighters Facing Dangerous Ash Pits With Underground BWCA Fires
Be Prepared To Be Self-Sufficient
The US Forest Service reminds visitors to be diligent in planning trips into these newly reopened areas. Share your plans with family or friends. Monitor weather and fire conditions, and plan to be self-sufficient. Travel with multiple means of communication, and check back with updates from the Forest Service regarding fire safety and conditions.
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Gallery Credit: Angela Underwood