Nearly 1,000 Firefighters Battle Northern Minnesota Wildfires

Nearly one thousand firefighters remain on the front lines of the July Lightning wildfire complex in northeastern Minnesota.

Officials say the fires cover more than 64-thousand acres. Overnight rain and cooler temperatures reduced fire activity and helped crews strengthen containment lines.

The Little Knife Fire is reported at 70 percent containment, while the Bear Trap Fire is 38 percent contained.

The Eastern Area Incident Management Team has taken command of the wildfire response. Some areas of the Superior National Forest remain closed, although improving conditions have allowed officials to begin reopening selected campgrounds and Boundary Waters entry points.

Residents and visitors are urged to follow evacuation orders, closures and burning restrictions. Drones must also be kept away from wildfire operations because they can force firefighting aircraft to leave the area.

Current closure and reopening information is available through the Superior National Forest.