Wildfire closes parts of BWCA

(KWNO)-A wildfire continues to burn in the northeastern Minnesota and is forcing the closure of a large portion of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness near the end of the Gunflint Trail. The Spice Lake Wildfire, which started Tuesday, spanned an area of 30 miles. Firefighting efforts have reduced the area to about 20 miles but closures are still necessary according to Joy VanDrie with the Superior National Forest.

“It’s kind of smoldering right now. But it’s a safety precaution, making fure our firefighters are gonna be safe, making sure all visitors in the area are safe. Things can change pretty quickly so we want to make sure we are properly prepared,” said VanDrie

VanDrie says they have contacted affected permit holders and encouraged them to seek alternative areas of the BWCA.  Paddling and overnight camping is prohibited in the closure area. Abut 80 campsites will be affected by the closure.