New restrictions in Boundary Waters due to Canadian fires

The Forest Service has announced new temporary travel restrictions in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness over concerns that large wildfires burning in Canada could spread across the border.

The new closures include travel, campsites and portages along and near Iron and Crooked lakes along the border north of Ely, as well as some smaller lakes north of Gun Lake.

The new closures, which take effect Saturday and will remain in place for at least a week.

A northern Minnesota air quality alert was also in effect until 9 a.m. Friday due to smoke from wildfires.

BWCAW entry point Mudro Lake (#22, #23) & campsites in the Iron Lake and Crooked Lake Corridors will be closed on 7-17-21 b/c of wildfires in Quetico Provincial Park & travel time to leave if conditions worsen. Learn more: https://t.co/oIWvQwOiGx. #BWCAW pic.twitter.com/I9CCQn4X2n

— SuperiorNF (@SuperiorNF) July 15, 2021

Meanwhile, firefighters continue to battle the Delta Lake fire east of Ely. It’s burning just outside the Boundary Waters and has consumed about 65 acres and was 5% contained.

Delta Lake Fire ?? Update – July 14
Delta Lake Fire is the primary active fire on the Forest. It is burning on private land, the Forest and the BWCAW. It is 65 acres and 5% contained. Fire crews and aircraft are responding. Fire restrictions/BWCAW closures in effect. pic.twitter.com/cb6etilCwY

— SuperiorNF (@SuperiorNF) July 14, 2021