The Forest Service continues to reopen wildfire-impacted recreation areas inside and outside the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW) from the early July wildfires.
Visitors should remain diligent about entering fire-impacted areas and watch for wildfire hazards like fire-weakened hazard trees and burnt stump holes.
Additionally, some campsites and portages in newly reopened areas remained closed due to direct wildfire impacts. Plan extra time to find a campsite if traveling through these areas with campsite and portage closures. As summer transitions to fall, visitors should also plan ahead for reduced daylight and cooler air and water temperatures.
Under Phase 10, the following areas will reopen on Tuesday, Sept. 8, for day and overnight use.
LaCroix Ranger District: BWCAW Entry Points 12–Little Vermilion Lake, 12A-Lac La Croix Only and 13-Herriman Lake Trail Kawishiwi Ranger District: BWCAW Entry Points 22-Mudro Lake Restricted, 23-Mudro Lake and 24-Fall Lake Closed for the season BWCAW entry points 11–Blandin Trail, 14–Little Indian Sioux River North, 15–Sioux-Hustler Trail, 19– Moose/Portage River North 19–Stuart River, 20-Angleworm Lake, 21-Angleworm Trail.
Firefighter numbers are now down to 228 with a total of 71,675 total acres (62,652 in U.S., 9,023 in Canada).
Sioux Fire: 6,833 acres; 97% contained; north of the Echo Trail and east of Lake Jeanette Campground.
Bear Trap Fire: 39,327 total acres (30,804 acres in the U.S.); 97% contained; 20 miles north of Ely.
Thumb Fire: 25,515 total acres (20,515 in the U.S); 97% contained.
The Camp Fire is now under local Forest Service control.
