BWCA and Greenwood fires continue to grow as warm, dry weather continues

Another hot day is on tap Aug. 18 along the Highway 1 corridor in Lake County as suppression efforts continue on the rapidly spreading Greenwood Fire. 

The National Weather Service says temperatures could reach close to 90 degrees Wednesday, with winds out of the south at 5 to 10 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph.

The fire grew to approximately 3,200 acres by Wednesday morning, according to the U.S. Forest Service. By comparison, Gunflint Lake is just over 4,000 acres in size.

To view a current map of the fire, click here.

A portion of Highway 1 remains closed Wednesday near Isabella to help fight the fire and keep people out the suppression zone.

The Forest Service says aircraft is being used to limit the fire spread to the north, including two helicopters. Full suppression tactics are being used to reduce fire spread, including supplemental firefighters who will assume full command of the fire on Wednesday morning, according to the Forest Service. The Greenwood Fire is located outside of the BWCA wilderness area and threatens cabins, homes, and recreational sites.

The American Red Cross opened a temporary evacuation point at the Finland Community Center to house people displaced by the fire.

In more fire news from the region, the Whelp Fire is about four miles northwest of Sawbill Lake, a popular entry point in the BWCA. As of Tuesday night, that fire was about 20 acres and actively burning, according to the Forest Service. A total of 18 lakes and adjoining portages just northwest of Sawbill are now closed in the BWCA as a result of the Whelp Fire.
 
Click here for more information on the Whelp Fire in the BWCA.