Forest Service Lays Ground For Burn Near Ely

ELY, (AP) - As catastrophic forest fires burn across the western United States, forest managers in northern Minnesota are laying the groundwork for a deliberate fire in hopes of preventing similar blazes.

They're concerned about the abundance of balsam firs in the thick pine forest north of Ely along the Echo Trail and on the north arm of Burntside Lake, where there are cabins and a YMCA camp.

Balsam firs are highly flammable, and can carry a fire up to the crowns of the taller pines. So the U.S. Forest Service wants to conduct a prescribed burn over 1,400 acres of forest.

Several homeowners question whether the risk of a controlled burn is worth it. They have until the end of September to appeal the Forest Service's decision.