MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) — Several lakes in the Boundary Waters Canoe and Wilderness Area are reopening Wednesday morning. They had been closed because of wild fires near Ely in northern Minnesota.

The dry and windy conditions lately have heightened fire concerns throughout the state even though cooler temperatures are expected the rest of the week along with a slight chance of rain.

BWCA officials said campfire restrictions are still in place throughout the area. Campers are allowed to have fires only between 7 p.m. and midnight.

Wild fires in the area grew to as large as 40 acres before fire crews were able to get things under control. Officials said crews worked over the weekend and the fires were reported contained, controlled or out.