Wildfire in BWCAW was caused by human and is now 80% contained: US Forest Service
SUPERIOR NATIONAL FOREST, Minn. -- Forest officials have determined a wildfire burning in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness was caused by a human.
The U.S. Forest Service said the exact cause remains under scrutiny, but investigators determined Saturday that human actions sparked the fire.
The fire was first detected Tuesday between Spice Lake and Ogishkemuncie Lake, according to the forest service.
On Monday, officials said the fire's current size is 22 acres and it is 80% contained. Fire reduction efforts have been successful and crews will be scaling back, the forest service said.
"Fire activity has been minimal with creeping and smoldering in mixed timber and brush," the forest service said. "Firefighters are making good progress patrolling and mopping up the fire."
A portion of the BWCAW has been closed due to the fire, and emergency fire restrictions are also in effect.
Officials say businesses on the Gunflint Trail north of Grand Marais are still open at this time.
Click here to find the latest information on closures and fire restrictions in the area.
