Firefighting team expected to build to 850

Published 11:02 am Wednesday, September 21, 2011

ELY, Minn. — A warmer, less humid weather trend into the weekend should keep firefighters battling the Boundary Waters wilderness fire on their toes.

Showers earlier this week have helped firefighters keep the large forest fire from spreading. Firefighting spokesman Doug Anderson says the drier weather will mean more smoke around the edge of the fire that has scorched 147 square miles.

Anderson says additional crews Wednesday could bring the total number of firefighters battling the northeastern Minnesota wildfire to 850. The blaze, ignited by lightning Aug. 18, is 30 percent contained.