The Pagami Creek Fire has expanded dramatically over the past day across northern Minnesota. Strong northerly winds are sending a smoke plume southeastward into cities such as Racine and Green Bay, Wis.

This fire, located about 14 miles east of Ely, Minn., lies within the popular Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness.

According to Expert Senior Meteorologist Jim Andrews, “The Wilderness area is made up of evergreen, spruce and pine trees which are very quick and easy to burn.”

The fire began on Aug. 18 and was apparently started by lightning as thunderstorms rolled through.

The Boundary Waters Wilderness Area is very popular among residents and tourists alike. Vehicles aren’t permitted inside the area, therefore many people take canoes and navigate through the land.

Through Tuesday morning, the fire has charred more than 60,000 acres and has spread more than 16 miles in the last day due to strong winds. This has tripled the size of the fire since Monday.

These strong northerly winds are in response to a much colder air mass which is moving in from Canada. The wind direction is perfect for allowing the fire to spread and also sending smoke into some of the bigger cities of the Great Lakes.

Racine, Wis., and Waukegan, Ill., have all reported visibility drops the last several hours as smoke has filled the air.

It’s certainly possible that areas of smoke make it all the way down to Chicago the next few days as that northerly wind is expected to persist through the end of the week.

Smoke can be a problem for people with respiratory problems, especially the elderly. These folks should stay inside and avoid outdoor physical activity in the smoky conditions.

Significant precipitation is not expected across the area over the next seven to ten days and with gusty winds through the end of the week, the fire could continue to spread.