Pagami Creek Fire Battle: It's More Than Fighting Flames

ELY, Minn. (WCCO) -- Crews battling the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness blaze have more than just flames to worry about.

Recent rains have been a good thing -- for the most part.

"You know, with the rains, they're warning them to watch for hypothermia," said Brenda Bowen, spokesperson for the Pagami Creek Fire team.

NewsRadio 830 WCCO's Steve Murphy Reports

She said strong winds also are a challenge, not only because they fan the flames; they also make the water choppy.

"A lot of these people have never canoed before, so then you add rough water in addition to that. It certainly is a concern for us," Bowen said.

Many firefighters can access the fire line only by water. The cost of the firefighting effort is now estimated at $12 million.