DULUTH, Minn. – The U.S. Forest Service closed the whole 1.1 million-acre Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness as wildfires grew, some beyond control. The agency blamed not only the fires but also extreme drought, its own limited resources, and new fires erupting. Closed for seven days are all lands, waters, trails, portages, campsite, canoe routes and entry points. The Forest has notified permit holders and outfitters and is cancelling permits today through August 27. All overnight paddle day use and motorized day use is cancelled. Depending in conditions, the restrictions could run longer – or be shortened, the agency said. Permit holders will be reimbursed.
Greenwood Fire. Firefighters believe — and hope — they’ve contained this largest wildfire at 9,00 acres. Images: U.S. Forest Service
Wildfire update
>Greenwood Fire. Contained at 9,000 acres.
> John Elk Fire. Grew from 3 acres to 1600 acres.
> Whelp Fire. Grew from 30 acres to at 80 acres.
> Bungee Fire. Controlled.
> Clara Fire. Controlled.
> Fourtown Fire. Controlled.
> Moose Lake Fire. Controlled.
> Sundial Fire. Controlled.
The Forest Service said it was monitoring fires in Ontario, which continue to move toward the U.S. border. The Forest Service is coordinating with its Canadian counterparts.
Superior National Forest. 3.1 million acres.
Boundary Waters. Inside the Superior National Forest. Red dots mark fires.
Verbatim
Forest Service: “We understand that this will have a significant impact on our visitors, cooperators, and communities near the forest. This emergency closure is necessary for the safety of our visitors, our wilderness rangers, and our firefighters. It allows our fire crews to focus on responding to existing fires and new starts.”
Earlier: Greenwood Fire uncontained, growing