Ely Wildfire Continues To Burn

MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- Our clear skies aren't helping the battle against a forest fire in the Boundary Waters.

The fire, burning just west of Ely, started as a prescribed burn Thursday and grew out of control.

Rain isn't expected in the area until at least Monday, and Sunday will be windy up north. So about 80 firefighters are doing what they can to douse the flames Saturday.

Around 440 acres have burned -- more than half a square mile.

The Forest Service says no towns or buildings are in harm's way, but a number of lakes, portages and campsites in the Boundary Waters are closed.