Fire threatens property within a mile of Ely; Crane Lake told to get ready

A U.S. Forest Service incident commander said one of the largest wildfires had moved within about a mile of cabins, homes and resorts near Ely, making the protection of public and property a top priority. The Boundary Waters remained closed indefinitely, with roughly 90% of paddlers cleared from the wilderness.

Officials reported 16 active fires, three of them inside the Boundary Waters. Residents of Crane Lake — a small community that is a gateway to both the Boundary Waters and Voyageurs National Park, and home to many resorts, lodges and a seaplane base — were told to get 'ready' to evacuate.

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