BWCA

Peak meteor shower activity will happen soon, and you won't want to miss this stunning light show.

Conditions have stablized enough that officials are allowing access to central and east portions of the BWCA, with 41 entries opening on Thursday.

Wildfires can spread undeground, creating dangerous ash pits that firefighters or hikers can fall into. Normally it doesn't happen, but with dry conditions it's occuring in the Lake Superior National Forest.

Local businesses in places like Ely Grand Marais are trying to get the word out that while the fire situation is serious, it is still safe to visit communities in the region.

Some rain overnight helped the wildfire situation in Northern Minnesota, but high winds continue to be a challenge.

The DNR rarely issues elevated burning restrictions, but due to the ongoing wildfires and extreme risk, all campfires are banned in these places.

I've lived here my entire life and I've never seen smoke this bad. Exposure for over 48 hours is the equivalent of smoking three packs of cigarettes.

Fires in and around the Boundary Waters in Northern Minnesota prompted an emergency closure of part of the BWCAW and campfire bans and other fire restrictions throughout the BWCAW.

The Boundary Waters outfitter about 20 miles northeast of Ely is looking for a new owner.

The United States uses far more copper than it produces. Millions of tons of copper are needed in coming years to keep up with data center construction, and Northern Minnesota has it.