Pagami Creek Fire stands at 90% contained

The forest fire burning since August in northeastern Minnesota's Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness is now 90 percent contained, according to fire authorities yesterday.

But danger posed by the Pagami Creek fire remains. Strong winds Saturday and Sunday hampered the moving of equipment on the fire line and caused crews to pull back late Saturday afternoon when the winds made the airborne portion of the firefighting operation unsafe.

As of Sunday, the fire had blackened 92,682 acres, or 144.8 square miles, and 317 people were still fighting it. Road closures for areas adjacent to the fire remain in place.

Cold, windy weather is expected to continue today; by tonight and Tuesday, sprinkles and snow flurries are possible, according to the National Weather Service.