Emergency responders say they have gained the upper hand on a fire in a northern Minnesota state forest that has burned thousands of acres since it began several days ago.

What has been dubbed the Palsburg Fire in the Beltrami Island State Forest was considered to be 80 percent contained as of late Sunday morning, according to the latest dispatch from the Minnesota Incident Command System (MNICS).

"Next week's cooler, wetter weather has reduced the complexity and risk of fire, allowing firefighting resources to be released," MNICS reported.

While two crews on the ground will remain on duty, firefighting from the air has been called off, MNICS added.

Fire crews spent part of Saturday tending to hot spots in the forest, located about 15 miles south of Warroad.

The blaze began Wednesday and drew more than 120 fire personnel at one point last week.

Despite the improved prospects, numerous roads will remain closed in the area. They include: Thompson Road, Wobbles Road, Bemis Hill Road, Tofte Road, and Black's Winner Road.

PAUL WALSH