New restrictions in BWCA due to Canadian wildfires

ELY, Minn. – The Forest Service has announced new temporary travel restrictions in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area 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.

Meanwhile, more than 150 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.