MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) — “Come on up — we’re open for business” — that’s the message from outfitters, resort owners and others in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness.

Although the Pagami Creek fire is only 23 percent contained, experts are hopeful it won’t expand, and various entry points have reopened to the public.

“As of this morning, a big chunk of the Boundary Waters is reopened — and a big chunk of the Superior National Forest — so that’s good news for canoeists and grouse hunters who’ve been holding off, or people who just want to come up and look at the beautiful fall colors,” said Bill Hansen, owner of Sawbill Canoe Outfitters.

NewsRadio 830 WCCO’s Steve Murphy Reports

More than 700 firefighters remain on duty but they’re optimistic about containing the fire with wet weather in the forecast.