ELY, Minn. — The Greenwood Fire continues to grow and has burned 25,991 acres in northeastern Minnesota.
Lake County Emergency Management Director Matt Pollman confirmed Thursday that at least 12 homes or cabins were destroyed when the wildfire jumped and ran Monday, burning its way into the more populated McDougal Lake area.
Fifty-seven other outbuildings were also reportedly destroyed.
U.S. Congressman Pete Stauber, who represents the area impacted by the fire, confirmed late Wednesday that structures had been destroyed.
"It's really important that we stay together and understand that together we're gonna put this fire out, we're gonna lose no lives, and we're gonna rebuild once we put this fire out," the congressman told KARE 11's news partner KBJR.
Localized conditions surrounding the fire remain fluid.
Earlier Wednesday, around 2 p.m., the area surrounding the flames saw cooler temperatures and cloud coverage that local officials credited with helping to slow the spread.
But, those conditions soon changed. What once was a flat line of smoke visible from Ely Airport evolved into smoke plumes around 4 p.m., only a couple hours later.
Changing winds and heat were prominent factors impacting the fire, and a big problem crews are facing is actually reaching it.
While aircraft continue to play a vital role in combating the flames, dumping water from above, the local incident commander tells KARE 11 it takes more specialized equipment to truly get a handle on it.
In parts of the Superior National Forest, some terrain can be so dangerous that heavy machinery and even hand crews have struggled.
They recently received a new tool to help called a marsh master - which you can think of as an amphibious tractor that can better navigate the complicated landscape.
Clark McCreedy, the interagency public information officer for those fighting the fire, says, "We've got rolling, steep and rolling terrain in some places, wet, marshy ground in others. We're looking for roads to get into, and in some cases we actually have to improve the road to provide access."
Local homeowners on the edge of the evacuation area are getting ready if the fire keeps moving.
The fire is still about 10 miles away from Jake Hway's home.
He and his family are working to prepare a more defensible space around their home near the Ely Airport - clearing trees and brush.
His family is also working to house six sled dogs from other local businesses forced to evacuate.
"To be leaving a place of danger, with all of the sled dogs, it's a good feeling to get them out...we'll always be there for our sled dogs, because they're always there for us," Hway said.
Hway, who owns his own dog sledding company, says he's more than willing to take on the new additions.
"There's a whole sense of community around that and mushers always have each other's backs and are ready to help if needed," Jake said.
Wildfires have also forced forest officials to extend the Boundary Waters Canoe Area closure another week.
The U.S. Forest Service says all permits for BWCA have been canceled through Sept. 3.
Crews are also closing Superior National Forest recreational areas and roads along the upper section of the Gunflint Trail.