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Boundary Waters Fire Now 67 Percent Contained

ELY, Minn. (AP) -- A forest fire in northeastern Minnesota's Boundary Waters Canoe Area is two-thirds contained, although state officials warn that weather might not cooperate with ongoing firefighting efforts.

The state Department of Natural Resources said the Pagami Creek fire was 67 percent contained as of Saturday. The blaze still covers nearly 93,000 acres.

The DNR says temperatures in the 70s are expected in the next few days, which could help fuel the fire. The area has received some precipitation, but the DNR says hot spots could flare up as vegetation dries.

The fire has now been burning for about six weeks. It was sparked by a lightning strike about 13 miles east of Ely on Aug. 18.

A number of recreational areas in the Superior National Forest had been closed but have since reopened.

(© Copyright 2011 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)

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