News

Lakes reopen in BWCA, but fire restrictions remain

Photo: Liu, Photos.com

Sep 12, 2012 at 6:51 am

DULUTH, MN (AP) - The U.S. Forest Service has reopened lakes in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness that were closed because of wildfires. But campfire restrictions remain in effect.

Fire information officer Becca Manlove says Ensign Lake and smaller, neighboring lakes east of Ely (EE'-lee) have reopened as well as the Snowbank Hiking Trail.

But the Duluth News Tribune (http://bit.ly/QbiDx4) reports campfire restrictions are still in place in the BWCA. Campfires are allowed only between 7 p.m. and midnight. Gas stoves can be used at any time.

Over the weekend, all wildfires in the BWCA were reported contained, controlled or out.

Manlove says a fire covering a tenth of an acre was discovered Monday in the far northwestern corner of the BWCA. Crews have hit that fire with bucket drops from the air.