Rain has been falling in much of Minnesota this week, but one region that really needs the moisture is still bone-dry.
And that has already led to wildfires.
A Superior National Forest official says the ongoing drought has created "tinderbox conditions" as firefighters continue to battle wildfires in the area.
The fires have already burned more than 25,000 acres and 12 seasonal homes or cabins have been lost.
“We got a little bit of rain today so we don’t expect much fire growth today,” incident commander Brian Pisarek told the Associated Press on Thursday
Pisarek said that firefighters used Thursday to prepare for winds that are expected to come on Monday.
So far, more than 400 firefighters are working to contain the fires, and more help has been requested.
Superior National Forest Supervisor Connie Cummins said firefighters have been dealing with wildfires since the spring and are getting tired.
The fires forced the closure of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness until at least Sept. 3.
Cummins said she's evaluating the situation daily and the BWCA will be reopened once it's safe.
