Closures announced near Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness as wildfire burns

SUPERIOR NATIONAL FOREST, Minn. -- U.S. Forest Service officials say a wildfire is burning in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW). 

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According to the forest officials, the wildfire was detected Tuesday between Spice Lake and Ogishkemuncie Lake in the BWCAW, which is in the Gunflint Ranger District in the Superior National Forest.

The fire was 30 acres in size Wednesday. Officials say it is burning in a mixed boreal forest with Spruce Budworm affected vegetation. 

Fire crews have been patrolling surrounding areas for canoers, and have been redirecting them to safety. More firefighters are also heading to the area via float planes. 

Public safety staff announced Thursday evening that they are closing a portion of the BWCAW effective Friday at 12:01 a.m., prohibiting visitor entry at specific campsites, portages, lakes and Pristine Management Areas.

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Aside from the closures for Spice Lake, the forest is open to the public.

According to the National Interagency Fire Center, northern Minnesota will be in an above-average risk for significant wildland fire potential for the summer.