Greenwood Fire 80% contained; forest restrictions lifted

The Greenwood Fire in northern Minnesota is now 80% contained, forest officials said in an update Sunday.

According to the U.S. Forest Service, the fire remained at roughly 42 square miles in size, and 145 personnel were working on putting it out.

Superior National Forest lifted fire restrictions on Friday for all National Forest System lands, including the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. That means campfires, charcoal grills and stoves are now allowed. However, forest officials still advised campers to keep fires "small, not tall" and making sure they are out and cold to the touch before leaving them unattended.

The Lake County Sheriff’s Office has begun handing out security passes to some property owners within the fire closure area, specifically those with properties on McDougal Lake, North McDougal Lake, Middle and Stony Loop roads.