Friday, September 30, 2011

Fires now Allowed in Boundary Waters Sept. 30, 2011

***Effective September 30, 2011, campfires will be allowed all times of the day in all areas of the Superior National Forest, including the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness.  ***


PAGAMI CREEK FIRE
  Friday, September 30, 2011

                                                   Phone: 218-365-3177, 8:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.   E-mail: PIOPagamiFire@gmail.com
                                                   Website: www.inciweb.org/incident/2534     
                                                   Photos: https://picasaweb.google.com/112717872039965407359


TODAY’S MESSAGE: The Pagami Creek Fire is now 67% contained, and the size has been reduced to 92,682 acres due to improved mapping.  Initially the acreage of the fire was determined by using GPS technology while flying along the perimeter.  Crews on the ground are now able to use GPS to gather more accurate data.  Gusty winds prevented crews from working on the fire yesterday.  Reports from spike camps were that live trees were being blown down around their campsites.  Crews spent most of yesterday identifying and removing hazard trees around camp.

ACTIVITIES TODAY:
·         Continue direct line construction, patrol, and mop up along the fire perimeter.
·         Fireline explosives will be used on a portion of the north perimeter that is not contained.
·         Rehabilitation of roads and dozer lines continues outside of the Wilderness Area.
·         Air resources will continue to provide support to firefighters on the ground.

WEATHER: Drier but cooler weather is expected for today.  Northwesterly winds could still be gusty at times today, with gusts reaching the upper teens.  This weekend is still expected to be warm and dry.  The next chance for showers will be early next week as a weak disturbance passes through the area.

AREA/ROAD CLOSURES: Some Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness entry points remain closed for day and overnight use. To see the updated closure, please visit www.fs.usda.gov/goto/superior/home.

Highway 1 is open. The following roads, trails, and areas are closed: FR 381 north from the intersection with FR 377 (Tomahawk Rd.) and all areas north and east of FR 381; FR 373 (Northwest Rd.) south from FR 377 to the intersection of FR 369 and all areas north and east of this route; FR 369 east from the intersection of FR 369 and FR 373 to the intersection of FR 369 and Lake County Rd. 7 (Cramer Rd./Windy Lake Rd.) including all areas north of this route; all areas to the west of Lake County Rd. 7 (CR 7) between the intersections with FR 369 and FR 354 (CR 7 is open for travel); and FR 354 north from the intersection with Lake CR 7 and all areas west of FR 354.

FIRE RESTRICTIONS: The Superior National Forest has lifted all campfire restrictions.  For more information, please visit www.fs.usda.gov/goto/superior/home.

LOCATION: The fire started approximately 13 miles east of Ely.   

CAUSE: Lightning    

DETECTED: August 18, 2011

RESOURCES: There are currently 663 personnel assigned to the incident.  Resources include: 10 hotshot (Type 1) crews, 5 Type 2 crews, 4 engines, 4 dozers, 2 water tenders, 4 camp crews and other personnel. The following air resources are available: two Type 1 helicopters, two Type 3 helicopters, and two Beaver aircraft on floats.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
Area closures and burning restrictions: www.fs.usda.gov/goto/superior/home
Smoke conditions: www.pca.state.mn.us

Thursday, September 29, 2011

Boundary Waters Updated Closure List

FOREST SUPERVISOR EMERGENCY PUBLIC SAFETY CLOSURESSUPERIOR NATIONAL FOREST
As of September 27, 2011


All areas of the Superior National Forest are open to public use except for the following lands, roads and trails:
1. It is prohibited to be upon BWCAW campsites and areas which are posted closed and included in
the closure area indicated by the Pagami Creek Fire Closure Map dated 9-26-2011.  
2. This closure includes the following campsites/areas/entry points of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness.

Entry points closed to public use:
#27 and #28 Snowbank, including “H” Snowbank Day Use Motor
NOTE:  Travel IS allowed on the portion of Snowbank Lake which is OUTSIDE the
BWCAW line.
# 29 North Kawishiwi River, closure begins at the portage into North Kawishiwi River. 
NOTE: Ojibway and Triangle Lakes are OUTSIDE the BWCAW and are open.
#30 Lake One
#34 Island River
#35 Isabella Lake
#36 Hog Creek
#37 Kawishiwi Lake
#67 Bog Lake
#75 Little Isabella River
#84 Snake River
Hiking Trail Entry Points
#56 Kekekabic East
#74 Kekekabic West /Snowbank
#86 Pow Wow Hiking Trail

The following entry points are open with travel restrictions:
• Entry Point 25 Moose Lake - Travel is NOT allowed south into Boot, Ashigan, Bedford, Minerva, Strup.
o Travel IS allowed in Splash, Ensign, Birch, Carp, Knife, Trident, Frog, Vera, Neglige, Trader,
Bonnie, Pickle, Spoon, Spider, Missionary, Skoota, and Kekekabic
NOTE: Check the map for particular lakes as the line is difficult to describe
• Entry Point 31 - Travel is NOT allowed on the North Kawishiwi River. 
o Travel IS allowed only for South Farm Lake, both day use and overnight.  
NOTE:  Farm Lake is outside the BWCAW and is open.
• Entry Point 32 South Kawishiwi River and 33 Little Gabbro – NO travel into Bald Eagle and beyond. 
o Travel IS allowed:
 north to the 15 rod portage into the North Kawishiwi River, just to the southeast of where the
portage from Triangle Lake comes into the river
 north to the portages into Eskwagama and Clear Lake (these lakes are closed).
• Entry Point 38 Sawbill - No travel allowed west through Alton Lake.
• Entry Point 71 From Canada  - All permits requesting entry from Canada must be coordinated with the Supervisor’s Office in Duluth.

3.  The following area and roads outside of the BWCAW are included in this closure
• FR381 north from the intersection with FR 377 (Tomahawk Road) and all areas north and east of FR 381.
• FR373 (Northwest Road) south from the FR 377 (Tomahawk Road) to the intersection of FR369 and all
areas north and east of this route.
• FR369 east from the intersection of FR369 and FR373 to the intersection of FR369 and CR7, including
all areas north of this route.
• All areas to the west of CR7 between the intersections with FR369 and FR354 (CR7 open for travel).
• FR354 north from the intersection with CR7, and all areas west of FR354.

Boundary Waters Fire Update September 29, 2011 IT IS RAINING!

PAGAMI CREEK FIRE
  Thursday, September 29, 2011

                                                   Phone: 218-365-3177, 8:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.   E-mail: PIOPagamiFire@gmail.com
                                                   Website: www.inciweb.org/incident/2534     
                                                   Photos: https://picasaweb.google.com/112717872039965407359


TODAY’S MESSAGE: The Pagami Creek Fire is now 64% contained, and the size remains at 93,459 acres. Firefighter and public safety is always top priority.  Two challenges firefighters will be facing today include rough water and high winds.  Gusty winds can create a hazard as snags and trees with roots weakened by fire can fall without warning.  Rough water will make canoeing difficult and unsafe.  This morning firefighters were reminded to maintain their situational awareness and to prepare to disengage if these conditions exist.



ACTIVITIES TODAY:
·         Continue to patrol and mop up along the fire perimeter using infrared data to locate hot spots.
·         Continue line construction along portions of the fire perimeter that are not contained.
·         Rehabilitate roads and dozer lines outside of the Wilderness Area.
·         If weather permits, air resources will continue to provide support to firefighters on the ground.

WEATHER: A cold front passed through the area overnight bringing with it cooler temperatures, strong northwesterly winds, and light rain showers.  Precipitation is expected to range from 0.10 to 0.25 inch with isolated higher amounts.  Northwesterly winds are expected to increase late this morning with gusts reaching 35-45 mph and greater.  Dry weather and gradually warming temperatures are expected over the weekend.

AREA/ROAD CLOSURES: Some Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness entry points remain closed for day and overnight use. To see the updated closure, please visit www.fs.usda.gov/goto/superior/home.

Highway 1 is open. The following roads, trails, and areas are closed: FR 381 north from the intersection with FR 377 (Tomahawk Rd.) and all areas north and east of FR 381; FR 373 (Northwest Rd.) south from FR 377 to the intersection of FR 369 and all areas north and east of this route; FR 369 east from the intersection of FR 369 and FR 373 to the intersection of FR 369 and Lake County Rd. 7 (Cramer Rd./Windy Lake Rd.) including all areas north of this route; all areas to the west of Lake County Rd. 7 (CR 7) between the intersections with FR 369 and FR 354 (CR 7 is open for travel); and FR 354 north from the intersection with Lake CR 7 and all areas west of FR 354.

LOCATION: The fire started approximately 13 miles east of Ely.   

CAUSE: Lightning    

DETECTED: August 18, 2011

RESOURCES: There are currently 663 personnel assigned to the incident.  Resources include: 10 hotshot (Type 1) crews, 5 Type 2 crews, 4 engines, 4 dozers, 2 water tenders, 4 camp crews and other personnel. The following air resources are available: two Type 1 helicopters, two Type 3 helicopters, and two Beaver aircraft on floats.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
Area closures and burning restrictions: www.fs.usda.gov/goto/superior/home
Smoke conditions: www.pca.state.mn.us

Wednesday, September 28, 2011

Boundary Waters Fire Update September 28, 2011


PAGAMI CREEK FIRE
  Wednesday, September 28, 2011

                                                   Phone: 218-365-3177, 8:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.   E-mail: PIOPagamiFire@gmail.com
                                                   Website: www.inciweb.org/incident/2534     
                                                   Photos: https://picasaweb.google.com/112717872039965407359



TODAY’S MESSAGE: The Pagami Creek Fire is now 61% contained, and the size remains at 93,459 acres.  Infrared technology is being used to assist firefighters with suppression efforts.  Infrared identifies heat along the fire perimeter allowing firefighters to focus on those areas where hot spots still exist.  As fuels continue to dry, an increase in fire activity is expected and smoke may become more visible. Today firefighters will focus on reinforcing containment lines in preparation for possible strong winds tonight and Thursday.  Aircraft will be used throughout the day to drop water on the portions of unlined fire perimeter to lessen the chance of fire movement when winds arrive.

ACTIVITIES TODAY:
·         Spot fire detection, line construction and mop up continue along the fire perimeter.
·         Rehabilitation continues along dozer lines outside of the Wilderness Area.
·         Air support continues to provide water drops on hot spots and cargo to crews in spike camps along the north and east perimeters of the fire.

WEATHER AND FIRE BEHAVIOR: Today’s weather forecast calls for continued warm and dry weather as a ridge of high pressure moves into the region.  Temperatures are predicted to be in the mid to high 70s. Winds will be calm in the morning but increasing in the afternoon becoming west southwest 7-11 mph.  Wind gusts reaching 14-18 mph are expected.  A cold front will pass through the area late tonight bringing a chance of rain, cooler temperatures and strong northwesterly winds.  Dry weather and gradually warming temperatures are expected over the weekend.

AREA/ROAD CLOSURES: Some Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness entry points remain closed for day and overnight use. To see the updated closure, please visit www.fs.usda.gov/goto/superior/home.

Highway 1 is open. The following roads, trails, and areas are closed: FR 381 north from the intersection with FR 377 (Tomahawk Rd.) and all areas north and east of FR 381; FR 373 (Northwest Rd.) south from FR 377 to the intersection of FR 369 and all areas north and east of this route; FR 369 east from the intersection of FR 369 and FR 373 to the intersection of FR 369 and Lake County Rd. 7 (Cramer Rd./Windy Lake Rd.) including all areas north of this route; all areas to the west of Lake County Rd. 7 (CR 7) between the intersections with FR 369 and FR 354 (CR 7 is open for travel); and FR 354 north from the intersection with Lake CR 7 and all areas west of FR 354.

LOCATION: The fire started approximately 13 miles east of Ely.   

CAUSE: Lightning    

DETECTED: August 18, 2011

RESOURCES: There are currently 708 personnel assigned to the incident.  Resources include: 10 hotshot (Type 1) crews, 7 Type 2 crews, 4 engines, 2 water tenders, 4 camp crews and other personnel. The following air resources are available: two Type 1 helicopters, two Type 3 helicopters, two scoopers (or water bombers), one scooper lead plane, and three Beaver aircraft on floats.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
Area closures and burning restrictions: www.fs.usda.gov/goto/superior/home
Smoke conditions: www.pca.state.mn.us

--
Pagami Creek Fire
Public Information
218-365-3177

Tuesday, September 27, 2011

Boundary Waters Fire Update Pagami Creek Fire September 27th, 2011

PAGAMI CREEK FIRE
  Tuesday, September 27, 2011

                                                   Phone: 218-365-3177, 8:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.   E-mail: PIOPagamiFire@gmail.com
                                                   Website: www.inciweb.org/incident/2534     
                                                   Photos: https://picasaweb.google.com/112717872039965407359


TODAY’S MESSAGE: The Pagami Creek Fire is now 59% contained, and the size remains the same at 93,459 acres. On September 26, the Superior National Forest reduced the closure area surrounding the fire. Some areas to the north and west of the fire have been opened. Drier weather today should produce slightly more active fire and more smoke.  Fire line rehabilitation measures are being taken to return the landscape to natural conditions by spreading woody vegetation back over dozed fire lines in areas where the fire is cold.  This action will help to reduce soil erosion.  New crews have been dispatched to spike camps to replace departing crews.

ACTIVITIES TODAY:
·         An excavator is being used for rehabilitation work outside the Wilderness Area.
·         Spot fire detection, line construction and mop up continue along the fire perimeter.
·         Air support continues to provide water drops on hot spots.

UPCOMING EVENTS: A community meeting will be held today at the Isabella Community Center at 11 a.m.

WEATHER AND FIRE BEHAVIOR: Sunny, warmer and drier today with light winds. Temperatures reaching the lower 70’s with humidity ranging between 35 and 40%. This afternoon, winds will switch from NE to N at 5 to 8 mph. Wednesday, as a front approaches, expect to see warmer temperatures, lower humidity and higher wind speeds. A chance of showers Wednesday night into Thursday will amount to less than a 1/10 of an inch of rain.

AREA/ROAD CLOSURES: Some Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness entry points remain closed for day and overnight use. To see the updated closure, please visit www.fs.usda.gov/goto/superior/home.

Highway 1 is open. The following roads, trails, and areas are closed: FR 381 north from the intersection with FR 377 (Tomahawk Rd.) and all areas north and east of FR 381; FR 373 (Northwest Rd.) south from FR 377 to the intersection of FR 369 and all areas north and east of this route; FR 369 east from the intersection of FR 369 and FR 373 to the intersection of FR 369 and Lake County Rd. 7 (Cramer Rd./Windy Lake Rd.) including all areas north of this route; all areas to the west of Lake County Rd. 7 (CR 7) between the intersections with FR 369 and FR 354 (CR 7 is open for travel); and FR 354 north from the intersection with Lake CR 7 and all areas west of FR 354.

DETECTED: August 18, 2011                                   CAUSE: Lightning                              ACREAGE: 93,459

LOCATION: The fire started approximately 13 miles east of Ely.

RESOURCES: There are 789 people assigned to the incident. Resources consist of 10 hotshot (Type 1) crews, 10 Type 2 crews, 9 engines, four camp crews and other personnel. Air operations will continue to support the fire suppression efforts as needed.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
Area closures and burning restrictions: www.fs.usda.gov/goto/superior/home
Smoke conditions: www.pca.state.mn.us

--
Pagami Creek Fire
Public Information
218-365-3177



ORDER NO. R909-1 1 -18

ORDER OF THE FOREST SUPERVISOR
EMERGENCY PUBLIC SAFETY CLOSURE
AFFECTING PORTIONS OF
THE SUPERIOR NATIONAL FOREST

Under authority of the Act of Congress of June 4, 1897, 16 USC 551, and pursuant to the Secretary of Agriculture’s Regulations set forth at 36 CFR 261.50(a) and 261.50(b), and 261.50(f), the following acts or omissions are prohibited on portions of Superior National Forest System lands, roads and trails, Lake County, Cook County. Minnesota.  These restrictions go into effective 12:01 am on Tuesday September 27, 2011.

1.    BWCAW CAMPSITE CLOSURE: It is prohibited to be upon BWCAW campsites and areas which are posted closed and included in the closure area.  36 CFR 261.53(e) Special Closures, Public Health or Safety.

2.    AFFECTED AREA: The Following campsites/areas/entry points of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness are closed.


Wilderness Travel Zones
(SEE Appendix A Map of Wilderness Travel Zones) 



#252 South half closed (Gabbro Lake Open)

#213
#283
#282
#281
#222
#212
#211
#221
#231
#242
#261
#271
#341
#351
#361
#332
#331
#292



Hiking Trail Entry Points
#56 Kekekabic East
#74 Kekekabic West /Snowbank
#86 Pow Wow Hiking Trail


AFFECTED AREA:  The area and roads described below are included in this closure.

·         FR381 north from the intersection with FR 377 (Tomahawk Road) and all areas north and east of FR 381.
·         FR373 (Northwest Road) south from the FR 377 (Tomahawk Road) to the intersection of FR369 and all areas north and east of this route.
·         FR369 east from the intersection of FR369 and FR373 to the intersection of FR369 and CR7, including all areas north of this route.
·         All areas to the west of CR7 between the intersections with FR369 and FR354 (CR7 open for travel).
·         FR354 north from the intersection with CR7, and all areas west of FR354.



3.    Closure signs will be used at normal points of access to delineate the closure area.  See Pagami Creek Closure Area map, dated September 26, 2011.

THESE EMERGENCY RESTRICTIONS ARE NECESSARY FOR THE PUBLIC’S HEALTH AND SAFETY DUE TO WILDLAND FIRES  IN THE VICINITY OF THE AFFECTED LANDS, WATERS, TRAILS, PORTAGES, CANOE ROUTES, AND DEVELOPED RECREATION SITES.  THESE RESTRICTIONS WILL REMAIN IN EFFECT AS LONG AS THEY ARE POSTED ON-SITE AND UNTIL RESCINDED.
THESE RESTRICTIONS ARE IN ADDITION TO THE GENERAL PROHIBITIONS FOUND AT 36 CFR 261, SUBPART A, THE GENERAL OCCUPANCY AND USE RESTRICTIONS FOUND IN FOREST ORDER NOS. R909-06-01, R909-05-02, R909-04-06. THIS FOREST ORDER RECINDS AND SUPERCEDS ORDER NO. R909-11-17.

Pursuant to 36 CFR 261.50(e), the following persons are exempt from this order:

1.                Persons with a permit specifically authorizing the otherwise prohibited act or omission.

2.                Any Federal, State, or local officer, or member of any organized rescue or fire fighting force in the performance of an official duty.

3.     Persons engaged in a business, trade or occupation in the area, when authorized and when accompanied by a Forest Officer or official member of the Incident Command Team.

Dated this 26th day of    September , 2011 Duluth, Minnesota.


                                                                    /s/ James W. Sanders
                                                                    James W. Sanders
                                                                   Forest Supervisor
                                                                   Superior National Forest

Violations of these prohibitions are punishable by a fine of not more than $5,000.00 for an individual or $10,000 for an organization, or imprisonment for not more than 6 months, or both.  [16 USC § 551, 18 USC §§ 3559 and 3571.]

Friday, September 23, 2011

Pagami Creek Fire UPDATE September 23, 2011 35% Containment

PAGAMI CREEK FIRE

Friday, September 23, 2011

Phone: 218-365-3177, 8:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.      E-mail:  PIOPagamiFire@gmail.com
Website: www.inciweb.org/incident/2534           Twitter: Twitter@inciweb

TODAY’S MESSAGE: The Pagami Creek Fire is now 35% contained and remains at 93,669 acres. Fire restrictions were reduced: campfires and charcoal grills are allowed only between the hours of 6:00 PM and midnight in all areas of the Superior National Forest. Within metal fire rings at fee-for-use campgrounds, fires are allowed at any time. The Forest reduced the closure-order area, and the Lake County sheriff lifted all evacuations related to the Pagami Creek Fire. Yesterday, crews constructed over 3 miles of fire line, 3 miles of dozer line, and laid 3 miles of hose. A fire-line explosives kit was delivered to a division on the northern edge for possible use today. The containment line on the northwest side around the point of origin has no heat or smoke and will be patrolled by air. Crews found and mopped up six spot fires on the southeastern side near Forest Road (FR) 356.

ACTIVITIES TODAY:
·         Continue backhauling equipment out of contained areas.
·         Work on direct line from Lake Two to Lake Four, and patrol for hotspots outside the line.
·         Continue to build saw line and lay hose from Lake Four to Hudson Lake to Lake Insula.
·         Extinguish any hot spots found near the containment line.
·         Complete setup for using fire-line explosives on the north central perimeter.
·         Construct direct line and patrol for host spots from Pietro Lake to Gull Lake.
·         Deploy five hotshot crews on the eastern side of the fire.

UPCOMING EVENTS: Community meetings are scheduled Saturday (Isabella Community Center, 11:00 a.m.), Sunday (Vermilion Community College theater, 2:00 p.m.), and Monday (Northern Tier Boy Scout Camp, 2:00 p.m.).
                                                                        
WEATHER AND FIRE BEHAVIOR: Thursday’s light drizzle added a trace to .03 inch of rain over the fire area. Today temps will be in the upper 50s. Winds will be light from the south. Humidities will in the mid 40s. Saturday will be warmer with highs in the low 60s. Winds will remain southerly and light with humidities hovering around 40%. Dry, light southerly winds are expected through next Friday. After several days of creeping and smoldering fire behavior, the fire is expected to become more active and spot fires more visible as the ground heats up, temperatures increase, and fuels dry.

AREA/ROAD CLOSURES: Highway 1 is open. The following roads, trails, and areas are closed: FR 381 north from the intersection with FR 377 (Tomahawk Rd.) and all areas north and east of FR 381; FR 373 (Northwest Rd.) south from the FR 377 to the intersection of FR 369 and all areas north and east of this route; FR 369 east from the intersection of FR 369; FR 373 to the intersection of FR 369 and Lake Cty. Rd. 7 (Cramer Rd./Windy Lake Rd.) including all areas north of this route; all areas to the west of Lake Cty. Rd.7 between the intersections with FR 369 and FR 354 (Cty. Rd. 7 is open for travel); and FR 354 north from the intersection with Lake Cty. Rd. 7 and all areas west of FR 354.

SAFETY: Public and firefighter safety is the highest priority. Falling trees are a safety concern. The Isabella area has an increase in traffic due to fire crew activity. Be alert, reduce your speed, and be aware of additional vehicles on the roads. 

DETECTED: August 18, 2011                        CAUSE: Lightning                     ACREAGE: 93,669

LOCATION: The fire started approximately 14 miles east of Ely.

RESOURCES: There are 877 incident personnel: ten hotshot (Type 1) crews, twelve Type 2 crews, and three camp crews. There are also 3 Type 1 helicopters, 2 Type 3 helicopters, 19 engines, 7 dozers, and 2 water tenders.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
Area closures and burning restrictions: www.fs.usda.gov/goto/superior/home or 218-365-7600
Smoke conditions: www.pca.state.mn.us

Fire ban off, Fire restrictions back on. Fires Allowed between 6 pm and midnight.

Fire ban off, Fire restrictions back on. Fires Allowed between 6 pm and midnight.
PRESS RELEASE
Superior National Forest

DATE: September 22, 2011

Contact:   Kristina Reichenbach   218-626-4393
 
Forest Service to Reduce Restriction of Campfires on the Superior National Forest


Effective as of 12:01 am Friday, September 23, 2011, the following campfire restrictions go into effect:

Building, maintaining, attending or using a fire, campfire or wood/charcoal burning stove anywhere on national forest lands within the Superior National Forest in Cook, Lake and St. Louis Counties, Minnesota is allowed only between the hours of 6 p.m. and midnight.   This includes the entire Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness.

The only exception is fee-for-use campgrounds where a fire, campfire or wood/charcoal burning stove may be used at any time.

Gas and propane stoves are permitted anytime in all areas of the Forest.

For additional information and updates, please see the Superior National Forest website:   www.fs.usda.gov/superior

ORDER OF THE FOREST SUPERVISOR

EMERGENCY FIRE RESTRICTIONS FOR THE SUPERIOR NATIONAL FOREST

Under authority of the Act of June 4, 1897, 16 USC 551, and pursuant to the Secretary of Agriculture's Regulations set forth at 36 CFR 261.50 (a), 261.50(b), and 261.50 (f), the following acts or omissions are prohibited within the administrative boundaries of the Superior National Forest in St Louis, Lake and Cook Counties, Minnesota. These restrictions go into effect 12:01 AM on Friday, September 23, 2011.

1. Building, maintaining, attending, or using a fire or campfire, including charcoal fires and charcoal grills with the following exceptions:

Within metal fire rings provided for that purpose at fee for use campgrounds.
Between the hours of 6:00 PM and 12:00 midnight in all areas outside of fee for use campgrounds.

36 CFR 261.52(a).

2. Possessing, discharging, or using any kind of firework or pyrotechnic device. 36 CFR 261.52(f).

3. Violating any state law concerning burning, fires or which is for the purpose of preventing, or restricting the spread of fires. 36CFR 261.52(k)

Thursday, September 22, 2011

Pagami Creek Fire UPDATE September 22, 2011 30% Containment

****Community Information Meetings*******

Agency officials will present an update on the fire status and suppression activities.  Superior National Forest officials will discuss fire recovery activities in the days and months to come.

Isabella Community Center – Saturday, September 24th at 11 am
Ely – VCC Theater – Sunday, September 25th at 2 pm
Ferberg Road Area – Northern Tier Boy Scout Camp – Monday, September 26th at 2 pm

PAGAMI CREEK FIRE
Thursday, September 22, 2011

Phone: 218-365-3177, 8:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.      E-mail:  PIOPagamiFire@gmail.com
Website: www.inciweb.org/incident/2534           Twitter: Twitter@inciweb

TODAY’S MESSAGE: The Pagami Creek Fire remains at 30% contained and 93,669 acres. Between 0.2–0.5 inches of rain fell on the fire area yesterday. Since Sunday, 0.75–1 inch of rain has fallen on the fire. Three crews will be flown into Kawishiwi Lake today to start work on the eastern perimeter. On the southern perimeter, crews brushed over 2 miles of road, built 500 feet of dozer line, and 1000 feet of saw line.

ACTIVITIES TODAY:
·         Inventory fire line and develop a rehabilitation plan to mitigate the effects of fire suppression.
·         Backhaul hose and pumps on the northwest side where the fire is controlled.
·         Use fire line explosives to construct 0.25 miles of fire line on the northern perimeter.
·         Establish a spike camps on Kwashachong and Square Lakes. Begin direct-line construction from Square Lake to Stringer Lake and to Fungus Lake.
·         Continue to construct fire line, scout for hotspots, and mop up.

UPCOMING EVENTS: Community meetings are scheduled for this Saturday (Isabella Community Center, 11:00 a.m.), Sunday (VCC theater, 2:00 p.m.), and Monday (Northern Tier Boy Scout Camp, 2:00 p.m.).
                                                                        
WEATHER AND FIRE BEHAVIOR: Thursday will be cool and cloudy with a slight chance of showers. Temps will be in the high 40s. Northwest winds will 8–12 mph with gusts to 18 mph. A drying and warming trend will start Friday and extend into the weekend with highs in the mid to upper 60s. A season ending event for this area is considered 2 inches of rain over a three day period. Despite recent rains, the area is still in a 2–2.5 inch of deficit of rain. The fire today is expected to creep and smolder. Starting Saturday, fire behavior might increase slightly from creeping and smoldering to occasional surface fires. 

AREA/ROAD CLOSURES: Highway 1 is open. The following roads and trails are closed: THE AREA AND ALL ROADS AND TRAILS NORTH OF Highway 1 starting at intersection of Forest Road (FR) 1468 and Highway 1 east to the intersection of the Wanless Road (FR 172) and Highway 1. The Wanless Road/FR 172 is closed as are all areas north of the Wanless Road/FR 172 to the Lake County Road 7/Cramer Road/Windy Lake Road (Cramer Road). The Cramer Road and all areas north of the Cramer Road are closed from the intersection of Hoist Road and Cramer Road. The Four Mile Grade is closed from the intersection of Cramer Road in Lake County to the Sawbill Road in Cook County; this includes Cook County Road 3.

SAFETY: Public and firefighter safety is the highest priority. Falling trees are a safety concern. The Isabella area has an increase in traffic due to fire crew activity. Be alert, reduce your speed, and be aware of additional vehicles on the roads. 

DETECTED: August 18, 2011                        CAUSE: Lightning                     ACREAGE: 93,669

LOCATION: The fire is approximately east of Ely 14 miles.

RESOURCES: There are 858 incident personnel. There are three Type 1 helicopters, and two Type 3 helicopter. Nine hotshot (Type 1) crews, twelve Type 2 crews, and three camp crews are on the incident. There are also nineteen engines, seven dozers, and two water tenders assigned to the incident.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
Area closures and burning restrictions: www.fs.usda.gov/goto/superior/home or 218-365-7600
Smoke conditions: www.pca.state.mn.us

Wednesday, September 21, 2011

Fire Update for Wednesday September 21, 2011

PAgami Creek Fire
Wednesday, September 21, 2011
FIRE INFORMATION:
Website: www.inciweb.org/incident/2534 E-mail: PIOPagamiFire@gmail.com
Phone: 218-365-3177, 8:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m. Twitter: Twitter@inciweb

TODAY'S MESSAGE: The Pagami Creek Fire is now 30% contained. The size decreased to 93,669 acres because of more accurate GPS mapping on the northwest side. Of the total acreage, 9,274 acres are outside the wilderness. Between two tenths to one half of an inch of rain fell on the fire yesterday. Eleven canoes were airlifted into Insula Lake on the eastern side of the fire for incoming crews. The spike camp near Isabella is set up and fully operational for about 300 personnel.

ACTIVITIES TODAY:
Conduct water-safety training for four new crews.
Assess the northeast side: scout line, identify camp locations, establish spike camp for crew, and evaluate the perimeter for possible use of fire line explosives to build fire line over rock with shallow soils.
Continue to patrol and pull hose from containment lines.
Continue to construct fire line, scout for hotspots, and mop up.

WEATHER AND FIRE BEHAVIOR: Showers will continue today. Temps will be in the mid to high 40s. Sustained NW winds will be in the teens with gusts in the mid 20s. Precipitation will taper to a drizzle by late Wednesday. An additional two tenths of an inch of rain is expected Wednesday. A drying and warming trend will start Thursday and extend into the weekend. The fire today is expected to continue to creep and smolder.


ROAD CLOSURES AND BLOCKS: Highway 1 is open. Closed roads are roads north of Highway 1 from Forest Road (FR) 1468 east to Isabella; Wanless Road (FR 172) east to Cramer Road/Lake County Road 7; Cramer Road/Lake County Road 7 north to FR 354; FR 354 north to BWCAW boundary at Kawishiwi Lake; and the Wanless Road (FR172). In Lake County, road blocks are at the intersections of Highway 1 and the Tomahawk Trail; Highway 1 and Deep Lake Road; Highway 1 and Bandana Road; Highway 1 and Mitawan Lake Road; Highway 1 and Arrowhead Road; Highway 1 and Wanless Road; Wanless Road and Manitou Junction; Wanless Road and Cramer Road/Lake County Road 7; Cramer Road/Lake County Road 7 and Hoist Creek Road; and Highway 1 and East Grade Road. In Cook County, a road block is at the intersection of Sawbill Trail and Four-Mile Grade. Four-Mile Grade is closed between FR 339 and FR 340.


SAFETY: Public and firefighter safety is the highest priority. Falling trees are a safety concern. There has been one injury to date.

DETECTED: August 18, 2011 CAUSE: Lightning ACREAGE: 93,669


LOCATION: The fire started at Township 63 N, Range 9 W, approximately 14 miles east of Ely (within the BWCAW) in the Pagami Creek area between the South Kawishiwi River, Clearwater Lake, and Lake One. The fire perimeter from the north is Lake One, Two, Four, and Lake Insula. The eastern perimeter is the southern edge of Lake Polly and east of Kawasachong Lake, west of Perent Lake, and northwest of Silver Island Lake. The southern perimeter crosses the intersection of Island River Road and Lake Twenty-Nine Road, Twenty-Nine Lake, and the Isabella River to Bog Lake.


RESOURCES: There are 781 incident personnel, and three crews will be arriving today. There are three Type 1 helicopters, and two Type 3 helicopter. Six hotshot (Type 1) crews, twelve Type 2 crews, and two camp crews are on the incident. There are also twenty-three engines, seven dozers, and three water tenders assigned to the incident.


ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
Wilderness closures and burning restrictions: www.fs.usda.gov/goto/superior/home or 218-365-7600
Smoke conditions: http://www.pca.state.mn.us/
Pagami Creek Fire
Public Information
218-365-3177

Tuesday, September 20, 2011

Update Pagami Creek Fire Tuesday, September 20, 2011

Pagami Creek Fire Tuesday, September 20, 2011

FIRE INFORMATION CONTACT: 8:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.         Phone: 218-365-3177   
E-mail: PIOPagamiFire@gmail.com    Website: www.inciweb.org/incident/2534

TODAY’S MESSAGE: The Pagami Creek Fire is now 23% contained. The size remains unchanged at 93,898 acres. Although the fire area received a half inch of rain on Sunday, when fire-behavior specialists flew over the fire on Monday afternoon they observed some trees torching, which is an indication that the fuels are still quite dry. However, today and Wednesday will be extremely wet, which will temper fire activity, increase fuel moisture, and begin to reduce the fire-danger indices. The fire is expected to smolder and creep today. Crews on Division B made good progress yesterday, constructing 2 miles of fire line eastward. Crews on Division C established and constructed 1.5 miles of line. Two resource advisers got to Division D and are scouting and planning in advance of crews being assigned to the division. Crews on the southern part of the fire also made good progress mopping up and securing line. Helicopters delivered 10,000 pounds of cargo to fire crews. Type 1 helicopters dropped 86 buckets on the fire area.


ACTIVITIES TODAY:

·         Continue to assess Division D: scout line, identify camp locations, and establish spike camp for crew.

·         Continue to patrol and pull hose from the containment line.

·         Continue to expand fire line, scout for hotspots, and mop up.


WEATHER:  Scattered showers and a few thunderstorms are expected to move into the area this morning and continue throughout the day, dropping a quarter inch of rain. Highs will be in the low 60s. Winds will be from the south to southeast at 10–15 mph with gusts around 20 mph. Another quarter inch of rain is expected Wednesday. A drying trend will start Thursday and extend into the weekend.

BOUNDARY WATERS CANOE AREA WILDERNESS (BWCAW): The Superior National Forest has increased the number of entry points and portages that are open to the public. Detailed information can be found at www.fs.usda.gov/goto/superior/home or  www.inciweb.org/incident/2534 or by calling 218-365-7600.

ROAD CLOSURES AND BLOCKS: Highway 1 is still open. Closed roads include all roads north of Highway 1 from Forest Road (FR) 1468 east to Isabella; Wanless Road (FR 172) east to Cramer Road/Lake County Road 7; Cramer Road/Lake County Road 7 north to FR 354; FR 354 north to BWCAW boundary at Kawishiwi Lake; and the Wanless Road (FR172).  Additional closures may occur.

In Lake County, road blocks are at the intersections of Highway 1 and the Tomahawk Trail; Highway 1 and Deep Lake Road; Highway 1 and Bandana Road; Highway 1 and Mitawan Lake Road; Highway 1 and Arrowhead Road; Highway 1 and Wanless Road; Wanless Road and Manitou Junction; Wanless Road and Cramer Road/Lake County Road 7; Cramer Road/Lake County Road 7 and Hoist Creek Road; and Highway 1 and East Grade Road.

In Cook County, a road block is at the intersection of Sawbill Trail and Four-Mile Grade. Four-Mile Grade is closed between FR 339 and FR 340.

SAFETY: Public and firefighter safety is the highest priority. Falling trees are a safety concern; a firefighter was taken to the hospital yesterday with a leg injury. Forest-wide fire restrictions remain in effect, and details can be found at www.fs.usda.gov/goto/superior/home or www.inciweb.org/incident/2534. Information on smoke conditions can be found on the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency website: www.pca.state.mn.us.

DATE OF DETECTION: August 18, 2011          

CAUSE: Lightning              

CURRENT SIZE: 93,898 acres

LOCATION: The fire started at Township 63 N, Range 9 W, approximately 14 miles east of Ely (within the BWCAW) in the Pagami Creek area between the South Kawishiwi River, Clearwater Lake, and Lake One. The fire perimeter from the north is Lake One, Two, Four, and Lake Insula. The eastern perimeter is the southern edge of Lake Polly and east of Kawasachong Lake, west of Perent Lake, and northwestern of Silver Island Lake. The southern perimeter crosses the intersection of Island River Road and Lake Twenty-Nine Road, Twenty-Nine Lake, and the Isabella River to Bog Lake.



RESOURCES: There are 738 incident personnel. There are four Type 1 helicopters, one Type 2 helicopters, and two Type 3 helicopter. Five hotshot (Type 1) crews, twelve Type 2 crews, and two camp crews are on the incident. There are also seventeen engines, six dozers, and two water tenders assigned to the incident.

Monday, September 19, 2011

Monday September 19, Pagami Creek Fire Update

PAGAMI CREEK FIRE UPDATE                  
           
                        
                                                                         Monday, September 19, 2011

CONTACT: Fire Information 218-365-3177, 8:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.

TODAY’S MESSAGE: The Pagami Creek fire is now 19% contained. Fire behavior was minimal Sunday, largely due to the one-third inch of rain that fell across the fire area, and the size remained the same at 93,898 acres. Today, fire-behavior specialists expect minimal to no fire spread with a little creeping and smoldering over the entire fire area. With the combination of precipitation, bucket drops, and cooler temperatures, five or six days of drying are needed before fire activity would increase.

Crews on Division B made good progress on the northern perimeter and extended line a half mile eastward. Crews from Divisions A and Z have been constructing line toward each other, and yesterday they met, creating a longer containment line on the northwest part of the fire. Crews on the southern part of the fire constructed 3,000 feet of dozer line and laid 1.5 miles of hose. Public-safety crews continue to assist campers out of the wilderness lakes and portages that are closed. Full-time residents in the mandatory evacuation area east of Isabella are now allowed access to their homes and property. The evacuation area remains closed to seasonal residents and the public. Closed roads are still staffed 24 hours a day by law enforcement. The fire remains under unified command with Cook and Lake Counties.

ACTIVITIES TODAY:
·         Host a community meeting at the Isabella Community Center at 11:00 a.m.
·         Assess Division D: scout line and identify camp location, sling sites, and evacuation plan.
·         Continue to monitor the 19% containment line, mop up, construct direct fire line, and backhaul hose and equipment from Division A (point-of-origin area).
·         Continue to prepare the spike camp near Isabella for crews to be based there closer to the southern edge of the fire.

WEATHER:
The weather will be warm and mostly sunny today, with a high of 69–71 degrees. The relative humidity is 90% this morning but will drop to 28–33% this afternoon. Winds, 10–14 mph, will be from the west and northwest and gusts will be around 18 mph. Tuesday will be cool and wet with a low around 40 degrees and showers and isolated thunderstorms. Morning winds will be from the south and southeast (4–7 mph) and will switch to the southwest in the afternoon (10–14 mph, gusts 20 mph). Over Tuesday and Wednesday, a minimum of a half inch of rain should fall.  Drier and gradually warming temperatures are expected Thursday.

BOUNDARY WATERS CANOE AREA WILDERNESS (BWCAW): The following entry points are OPEN: entry points along the Echo Trail (including Mudro); #25 Moose Lake (travel allowed only up the chain and to the west); #26 Wood Lake; #24 Fall Lake; the entire Trout Lake section (separate section south of the Echo Trail); #42 Brule ONLY; #54A Seagull ONLY; #55A Saganaga ONLY; and the small separate section northeast of the Gunflint Trail from #58 South Lake on the west to #70 North Fowl on the east. All other entry points in the BWCAW are closed.

ROAD CLOSURES: Highway 1 is still open. Closed roads include all roads north of Highway 1 from Forest Road (FR) 1468 east to Isabella; Wanless Road (FR 172) east to Cramer Road/Lake County Road 7; Cramer Road/Lake County Road 7 north to FR 354; FR 354 north to BWCAW boundary at Kawishiwi Lake; and the Wanless Road (FR172).  Additional closures may occur.

ROAD BLOCKS:
In Lake County, road blocks are at the intersections of Highway 1 and the Tomahawk Trail; Highway 1 and Deep Lake Road; Highway 1 and Bandana Road; Highway 1 and Mitawan Lake Road; Highway 1 and Arrowhead Road; Highway 1 and Wanless Road; Wanless Road and Manitou Junction; Wanless Road and Cramer Road/Lake County Road 7; Cramer Road/Lake County Road 7 and Hoist Creek Road; and Highway 1 and East Grade Road.  In Cook County, a road block is at the intersection of Sawbill Trail and Four-Mile Grade. Four-Mile Grade is closed between FR 339 and FR 340.

SAFETY: Public and firefighter safety is the highest priority. No injuries, accidents, or swamped canoes have been reported. Forest-wide fire restrictions remain: building, maintaining, or using a fire or campfire, including charcoal fires, wood-burning camp stoves, and charcoal grills, is prohibited on all lands (federal, state, local government, and private) within the administrative boundaries of the Superior National Forest. Charcoal grills are allowed at private residences. Use of pressurized liquid gas stoves is allowed. The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency and incident personnel are monitoring smoke conditions. Visit the following website for more information: pca.state.mn.us

DATE OF DETECTION: August 18, 2011          

CAUSE: Lightning              

CURRENT SIZE: 93,898 acres

LOCATION: The fire started at Township 63 N, Range 9 W, approximately 14 miles east of Ely (within the BWCAW) in the Pagami Creek area between the South Kawishiwi River, Clearwater Lake, and Lake One. The fire perimeter from the north is Lake One, Two, Four, and Lake Insula. The eastern perimeter is the southern edge of Lake Polly and east of Kawasachong Lake, west of Perent Lake, and northwestern of Silver Island Lake. The southern perimeter crosses the intersection of Island River Road and Lake Twenty-Nine Road, Twenty-Nine Lake, and the Isabella River toBog Lake.

AGENCIES: Lake County Sheriff’s Office, Cook County Sheriff’s Office, and Superior National Forest

RESOURCES: There are 598 people assigned to the fire, which includes five Type 1 crews (hotshot crews) and eight Type 2 crews. There are four Type 1 helicopters, three Type 2 helicopters, one Type 3 helicopter, thirteen engines, six dozers, and 1 water tender assigned to the incident. There are 76 canoes. On Saturday, September 17th, air support dropped over 650,000 gallons of water on the fire.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
Phone:            218-365-3177                                      E-mail:            PIOPagamiFire@gmail.com
Internet:         www.inciweb.org/incident/2534        Twitter:          Twitter@inciweb

Saturday, September 17, 2011

Pagami Creek Fire Update 9 16 2011 Eight Percent Contained


Containment is at 8% for the Pagami Creek Fire

TODAY'S MESSAGE: The incident commander announced Friday evening that the fire is 8% contained. Also, fire managers were able to more accurately map the fire's perimeter on Friday and decreased the acreage from an estimated 100,000 acres to a more precise 93,472 acres. Minnesota's Governor Dayton, U.S. Senators Klobuchar and Franken, and Representative Cravaak toured the fire area on Friday morning.
The fire remains under unified command with Cook and Lake Counties. Lake County Commissioners, the Northern Rockies Incident Management Team (IMT), and Aultman's Type 2 IMT (based in Cook County) began a coordinated effort to develop an integrated evacuation and structure-protection plan for the southeastern portion of the fire area. An Ontario liaison arrived and will remain on the incident.
Despite warmer temperatures, drier air, and slightly stronger winds on Friday, the fire primarily crept and smoldered along the ground. The fire will be more active today than it was yesterday, especially on the northern edge, because of increased southerly winds, stronger gusts, and very dry fuels. Most crews and air resources will be working on the northern and southern sides of the fire. As always, firefighter and public safety is the top priority.

ACTIVITIES TODAY:
Continue to monitor the 8% containment line.
Continue to construct and extend direct fire lines with saws, brush cutters, and dozers and lay fire hose on the fire's perimeter.
Be on the alert for spot fires, and use fire crews to direct air resources to drop water where needed.
Host a community meeting at the Isabella Community Center at 11:00 a.m.

BWCAW CLOSURES: The Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW) closures remain the same. The following entry points are open: entry points along the Echo Trail (including Mudro); #25 Moose Lake (travel allowed only up the chain and to the west); #26 Wood Lake; #24 Fall Lake; the whole Trout Lake section (separate section south of the Echo Trail); #42 Brule ONLY; #54A Seagull ONLY; #55A Saganaga ONLY; and the small separate section northeast of the Gunflint Trail from #58 South Lake on the west to #70 North Fowl on the east.

ROAD CLOSURES: Highway 1 is still open. Closed roads include · All roads north of Highway 1 from Forest Road (FR) 1468 east to Isabella · Wanless Road (FR 172) east to Cramer Road/Lake County Road 7 · Cramer Road/Lake County Road 7 north to FR 354 · FR 354 north to BWCAW boundary at Kawishiwi Lake · Wanless Road (FR172) ROAD

CLOSURES CONTINUED: In Lake County, staffed road blocks will be at the intersections of · the Wanless and Cramer Road/Lake County Road 7 · Highway 1 and the Wanless Road · Highway 1 and the Tomahawk Trail In Cook County, a staffed road block is at the intersection of the Sawbill Trail and Four-Mile Grade so Cook County Road 3 north of that intersection is closed. Additional closures may occur. SAFETY: Public and firefighter safety is the highest priority. Forest-wide fire restrictions remain: building, maintaining, or using a fire or campfire, including charcoal fires, wood-burning camp stoves, and charcoal grills, is prohibited on all lands (federal, state, local government, and private) within the administrative boundaries of the Superior National Forest. Charcoal grills are allowed at private residences. Use of pressurized liquid gas stoves is allowed. With increased traffic due to the fire and grouse-season starting today, all drivers-the public and fire personnel-should be alert and drive safely.

DATE OF DETECTION: August 18, 2011 CAUSE: Lightning CURRENT SIZE: 93,472 acres LOCATION: The fire started at Township 63 N, Range 9 W, approximately 14 miles east of Ely (within the BWCAW) in the Pagami Creek area between the South Kawishiwi River, Clearwater Lake, and Lake One. The fire perimeter from the north is Lake One, Lake Two, Lake Four, and Lake Insula. The perimeter on the east is the southern edge of Lake Polly and east of Kawasachong Lake, the northwest and southern shores of Square Lake, the western shore of Perent Lake, and the northwestern shore of Silver Island Lake, where the fire exited the BWCAW. The southern perimeter crosses the intersection of Island River Road and Lake Twenty-Nine Road, Twenty-Nine Lake, and the Isabella River to just inside the BWCAW at Bog Lake.

AGENCIES: Lake County Sheriff's Office, Cook County Sheriff's Office, and Superior National Forest

SMOKE CONDITIONS: The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency and incident personnel are monitoring smoke conditions. Visit the following website for more information: pca.state.mn.us

RESOURCES: There are 510 people assigned to the fire. Five Type 1 crews and eight Type 2 crews are on the incident. Seven helicopters, including four National Guard Black Hawks, are assigned to the incident. Eight fixed-wing aircraft are assigned, including three float planes, two air tankers, and three air-attack planes.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: Phone: 218-365-3177 Internet: www.inciweb.org/incident/2534 

Friday, September 16, 2011

Pagami Creek Fire Update September 16, 2011

Pagami Creek Fire Update
Friday, September 16, 2011

CONTACT: Fire Information 218-365-3177, 8:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m.

TODAY'S MESSAGE: Doug Turman's Northern Rockies Type 1 National Incident Management Team assumed management of the Pagami Creek Fire yesterday. The fire is still under the unified command of the Lake and Cook County sheriff's offices and the Superior National Forest. Moderated fire behavior continued yesterday with the cooler temperatures, higher humidities, and lighter winds. Operations personnel made significant progress on both the northern and southern perimeters. Firefighters attacked the northwestern corner and pushed east along the northern perimeter. On the western flank, a crew began constructing line starting at Clearwater Lake and working toward the northwest. Sprinkler systems were installed on two portages. The southern divisions mopped up a small spot fire south of Bog Lake. Outside the wilderness, bulldozers were used to clear line and engine crews supported hand crews. A large spike camp has been established near Isabella. Additional fire restrictions go into effect today (see below).

ACTIVITIES TODAY:
· Continue to provide for the safety of the public and firefighters.
· Extend hose lays further east along the northern perimeter.
· Continue to construct line along the southern perimeter outside the wilderness before attacking the flanks within the wilderness.
· Complete water-safety training and other orientation with newly arrived crews.
· Host a community meeting at the Isabella Community Center at 11:00 a.m.
· Staff a Joint Information Center from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the Kawishiwi Ranger District Office in Ely.

BWCAW CLOSURES: The Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW) closures remain the same. The following entry points are open: entry points along the Echo Trail (including Mudro); #25 Moose Lake (travel allowed only up the chain and to the west); #26 Wood Lake; #24 Fall Lake; the whole Trout Lake section (separate section south of the Echo Trail); #42 Brule ONLY; #54A Seagull ONLY; #55A Saganaga ONLY; and the small separate section northeast of the Gunflint Trail from #58 South Lake on the west to #70 North Fowl on the east.

ROAD CLOSURES: Road closures remain the same. Highway 1 is still open. Closed roads include
· All roads north of Highway 1 from Forest Road (FR) 1468 east to Isabella
· Wanless Road (FR 172) east to Cramer Road/Lake County Road 7
· Cramer Road/Lake County Road 7 north to FR 354
· FR 354 north to BWCAW boundary at Kawishiwi Lake
· Wanless Road (FR172)
Staffed road blocks within Lake County will be at
· intersection of Wanless and Cramer Road/Lake County Road 7
· Highway 1 and Wanless Road
· Highway 1 and Tomahawk Trail
The road block within Cook County will be Highway 3 just west of Sawbill Road. Additional closures may occur.

SAFETY: As of today, September 16, building, maintaining, or using a fire or campfire, including charcoal fires, wood-burning campstoves, and charcoal grills, is prohibited anywhere on national forest lands within the Superior National Forest, including the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. Use of pressurized liquid gas stoves is allowed.

DATE OF DETECTION: August 18, 2011

CAUSE: Lightning

CURRENT SIZE: 100,000 acres

LOCATION: The fire started at Township 63 N, Range 9 W, approximately 14 miles east of Ely (within the BWCAW) in the Pagami Creek area between the South Kawishiwi River, Clearwater Lake, and Lake One. The fire perimeter from the north is Lake One, Lake Two, Lake Four, and Lake Insula. The perimeter on the east is the southern edge of Lake Polly and east of Kawasachong Lake, the northwest and southern shores of Square Lake, the western shore of Perent Lake, and the northwestern shore of Silver Island Lake, where the fire exited the BWCAW. The southern perimeter crosses the intersection of Island River Road and Lake Twenty-Nine Road, Twenty-Nine Lake, and the Isabella River to just inside the BWCAW at Bog Lake.

AGENCIES: Lake County Sheriff's Office, Cook County Sheriff's Office, and Superior National Forest

SMOKE CONDITIONS: Smoke may be heavy and widespread depending on wind direction and speed.

RESOURCES: One hundred firefighters from Arizona were added yesterday, bringing personnel up to 436. Five Type 1 crews and eight Type 2 crews are on the incident. Seven helicopters, including four National Guard Black Hawks, are assigned to the incident. Eight fixed-wing aircraft are assigned, including three float planes, two air tankers, and three air-attack planes.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
Phone: 218-365-3177
Internet: www.inciweb.org/incident/2534

FIRE BAN in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness

CAMPFIRE RESTRICTIONS -  Effective 12:01 am on Friday, September 16, 2011, it is prohibited to build, maintain, or use a fire or campfire, including charcoal fires, wood-burning camp stoves, and charcoal grills anywhere on national forest lands within the Superior National Forest, including the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness.  Use of pressurized liquid gas stoves is allowed.

Thursday, September 15, 2011

Pagami Creek Fire Update for Thursday, Sept 15, 2011

Click for a bigger view


Pagami Creek Fire Update for Thursday, Sept 15, 2011

Contact: Fire Information 218-365-3177 between 8:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m.




TODAY'S MESSAGE: Management of the Pagami Creek Fire has transitioned to Doug Turman's Type 1 Team from the Northern Rockies. The fire is under the Unified Command of Lake County and Cook County Sheriff's Offices and the Superior National Forest. Cooler temperatures and a small amount of rain moderated fire behavior yesterday. Moderated fire behavior is expected again today. Direct attack began on the southern perimeter of the fire outside the wilderness. On the northwest corner, hose lays were extended and sprinkler systems were installed on portages.

ACTIVITIES TODAY:
· Air resources will be active today, transporting crews, supplies as well as holding and reinforcing with the line.
· Heavy equipment including bulldozers, engines, and tankers along with fire fighters will be building line and attacking spot fires.
· A Community Meeting will be held daily at 11:00 a.m. at the Isabella Community Center until further notice.
· In-coming crews will receive watercraft safety training and other orientation.

BWCAW CLOSURES: The Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW) closures remain the same. All entry points are closed except: entry points along the Echo Trail (including Mudro); #25 Moose Lake (travel allowed only up the chain and to the west); #26 Wood Lake; #24 Fall Lake; the whole Trout Lake section (separate section south of the Echo Trail); #42 Brule ONLY; #54A Seagull ONLY; #55A Saganaga ONLY; and the Vento section (small separate section northeast of the Gunflint Trail).


ROAD CLOSURES: Road closures remain the same. Note: Highway 1 is still open.
Closed roads include:
· All roads north of Highway 1 from Forest Road (FR) 1468 east to Isabella;
· Wanless Road (FR 172) east to Cramer/Lake County Road 7;
· Cramer/Lake County Road 7 north to FR 354;
· FR 354 north to BWCAW boundary at Kawishiwi Lake.
· The Wanless Road is closed.
· Staffed road blocks within Lake County will be at:
·o the intersections of Wanless and Cramer,
·o Highway 1 and Wanless,
·o Hwy 1 and Tomahawk Trail.
· The road block within Cook County will be Hwy 3 just west of Sawbill Road.
· Additional closures may occur.

SAFETY: The Superior National Forest and the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources are enacting additional fire restrictions for areas outside the BWCAW. Go to MNICS.org and the Superior National Forest websites for further information.

DATE OF DETECTION: August 18, 2011

CAUSE: Lightning


CURRENT SIZE: 100,000 acres


LOCATION: The fire started at Township 63 N, Range 9 W, approximately 14 miles east of Ely (within the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness [BWCAW]) in the Pagami Creek area between the South Kawishiwi River, Clearwater Lake, and Lake One. The Fire perimeter from the north is Lake One, Lake Two, Lake Four, Lake Insula. The perimeter from the east is the southern edge of Lake Polly and east of Kawasachong Lake, the northwest and southern shore of square Lake, the west shore of Perent Lake, and the northwest shore of Silver Island Lake where it exited the BWCAW. The southern perimeter crosses the intersection of Island River Road and Lake Twenty Nine Road, Twenty Nine Lake, and the Isabella River to just inside the BWCAW at Bog Lake.


AGENCIES: Lake County Sheriff's Office, Cook County Sheriff's Office, and Superior National Forest


SMOKE CONDITIONS: Smoke may be heavy and wide-spread depending on wind direction.


RESOURCES: 325 personnel are assigned to the fire. Additional crews arrived last night and more are coming in today. Crews are here from Minnesota, New Jersey, Montana, Arizona, Nevada, Michigan, Wisconsin, and California.


ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
Phone (218) 365-3177
Internet: www.inciweb.org/incident/2534

Wednesday, September 14, 2011

Pagami Creek Fire Area vs Blowdown 1999 area

Some of you have been asking how the fire area (currently) compares to where the blowdown area from the straight line wind storm of 1999 is.  I have roughly put the two areas on a map so you can get an idea of how the two compare.  While there was some crossover of the blowdown to the South, the thickest part of the blowdown and the majority of it lies further north of the fire's current location.  North towards the Gunflint Corridor from the Echo Trail.  I've outlined the rough blowdown area with a WHITE COLOR BORDERED WITH RED  and I've outlined the rough Pagami Creek Fire Area with ORANGE COLOR BORDERED WITH WHITE.

This is a representation only, not intended for navigation in any way.  Since the Fire is active the area is also changing.  Please realize this is only an attempt to answer a question that keeps coming up.  I thought it could be useful as a visual tool to have the two incidents on one map.  The blowdown does cross over and had pockets associated with it as well.

Hope this helps.

Click Map for Larger View

Pagami Creek Boundary Waters Fire Update September 14th, 2011



Progression Map of the Pagami Lake Fire through September 13


Pagami Creek Fire Update for Wednesday, September 14, 2011
Contact: Fire Information 218-365-3177


TODAY'S MESSAGE: The Pagami Creek Fire continues under Unified Command of Lake County, MNICS, and the Superior National Forest. Acreage increased yesterday due in large part to improved mapping of the fire perimeter as the smoke cleared. The fire did push farther south, exiting the southern Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW) boundary about one mile in a wavering line. Despite gusting winds, there was limited fire growth due to lower temperatures and higher humidity. Crews were very effective in continuing to hold the northwest corner of the fire. Areas around the fire were assessed and additional BWCAW and road closures were enacted. The National Guard is sending four Blackhawk helicopters and Manitoba is sending two water bombers and an air attack plane. Approximately 170 people attended a community meeting in Ely yesterday evening. About 40 people attended a meeting in Grand Marais yesterday evening.

ACTIVITIES TODAY:
Containment efforts have begun with heavy equipment outside the wilderness along the southern perimeter. Crews will be patrolling lines and monitoring for any hot spots.
Airplanes and helicopters are being used to drop water to slow the spread of the fire.
Community Meetings will be held at the Poplar Lake Fire Hall on the Gunflint Trail at 11:00 a.m. and at the Isabella Community Center at 11:00 a.m., today, September 14, 2011.

BWCAW CLOSURES: All entry points are closed except for: entry points along the Echo Trail (including Mudro); #25 Moose Lake (travel allowed only up the chain and to the west); #26 Wood Lake; #24 Fall Lake; the whole Trout Lake section (separate section south of the Echo Trail); #42 Brule ONLY; #54A Seagull ONLY; #55A Saganaga ONLY; and the Vento section (small separate section northeast of the Gunflint Trail).

ROAD CLOSURES: All roads north of the following route are closed: Highway 1 from Forest Road (FR) 1468 east to Isabella; Wanless Road (FR 172) east to Cramer/Lake County Road 7; Cramer/Lake County Road 7 north to FR 354; FR 354 north to BWCAW boundary at Kawishiwi Lake. Highway 1 is still open. The Wanless Road is closed. Road blocks staffed within Lake County will be at the intersections of Wanless and Cramer, Highway 1 and Wanless, Hwy 1 and Tomahawk Trail. Road blocks within Cook County will be Hwy 3 just west of Sawbill Road. Additional closures may occur.

SAFETY: The Superior National Forest and the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources are enacting additional fire restrictions for areas outside the BWCAW. Go to the http://www.inciweb.org/, MNICS.org and the Superior National Forest websites for further information.

DATE OF DETECTION: August 18, 2011

CAUSE: Lightning

CURRENT SIZE: 100,000 acres

LOCATION: Township 63 N, Range 9 W, approximately 14 miles east of Ely (within the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness) in the Pagami Creek area between the South Kawishiwi River, Clearwater Lake, and Lake One.

AGENCY: Superior National Forest, Kawishiwi Ranger District

SMOKE CONDITIONS: Smoke may be heavy and wide-spread depending on wind direction.

RESOURCES: 230 personnel are assigned to the fire.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
Phone (218) 365-3177
Internet: www.inciweb.org/incident/2534 Follow us on Twitter@inciweb

Tuesday, September 13, 2011

Pagami Creek Fire Update September 13, 2011

UPDATE, AS OF TUESDAY NIGHT, THE 13TH OF SEPTEMBER, THE FIRE'S SIZE HAS BEEN CONFIRMED AT 100,000 ACRES PLUS.


 


Open Entry Points

Anything on the Echo Trail:
#6 Slim Lake, #23 Mudro, #77 Hegman Lake, #20 Angleworm, #19 Stuart River, #7 Big Lake, #8 Moose River South, #16 Moose River North, 14 Indian Souix North, #9 Indian Souix South

#4 Crab Lake, #24 Fall Lake, #26 Wood Lake

#25 Moose Lake is open BUT You Must Travel West

Pagami Creek Fire

September 13, 2011

Contact: Fire Information 218-365-3177

TODAY'S MESSAGE: Yesterday, a finger of the Pagami Creek Fire made an unprecedented 16 mile run to the east, reaching the edge of Polly Lake. The fire became a plume-driven event and reached in excess of 60,000 acres. The fire is now under Unified Command with Lake County Sheriff's Office as full partners of management of this fire. Residents were evacuated from 36 addresses along the portion of the Cramer Road/Lake County Road 7 from Kawishiwi Lake south to the Wanless Road (Forest Road 172) and along the Wanless Road west from the junction with the Cramer Road to Homestead Lake. Public Safety crews continue to range the wilderness, moving visitors out of areas where they may be at risk. A town meeting held in Isabella was attended by about 100 concerned residents. Winds are expected to be strong and out of the northwest and west again today with little or no precipitation expected.

ACTIVITIES TODAY:

Hand crews on the north side of the fire will be patrolling lines and monitoring for any fire spread
Airplanes and helicopters are being used to drop water to slow the spread of the fire.
Areas around the fire within the BWCAW are being assessed to plan for visitor evacuation and closure.
A Community Meeting will be held at the Vermilion Community College in Ely, Minnesota tonight, September 13, 2011 at 7:00 p.m.
Daily public meetings will be held in Isabella Community Center at 11:00 a.m.
A Joint Information Center has been set up in the Kawishiwi Ranger District Office for answering both Superior National Forest and Lake County questions.


BWCAW CLOSURES: Closures will be added soon. A complete list will be sent out soon.


ROAD CLOSURES: All roads north of the following route are closed: Highway 1 from Forest Road (FR) 1468 east to Isabella; Wanless Road (FR 172) east to Lake County Road 7; Lake County Road 7 north to FR 354; FR 354 north to BWCAW boundary at Kawishiwi Lake. Highway 1 is still open. Road blocks staffed within Lake County will be at the intersections of Wanless and Cramer, Highway 1 and Wanless, Hwy 1 and Tomahawk Trail. Road blocks within Cook County will be Hwy 3 just west of Sawbill Road. Additional closures may occur.


SAFETY: The Superior National Forest and the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources are enacting additional fire restrictions for areas outside the BWCAW. Go to the MNICS.org and the Superior National Forest websites for further information.

DATE OF DETECTION: August 18, 2011 CAUSE: Lightning

CURRENT SIZE: in excess of 60,000 acres

LOCATION: Township 63 N, Range 9 W, approximately 14 miles east of Ely (within the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness) in the Pagami Creek area between the South Kawishiwi River, Clearwater Lake, and Lake One.

AGENCY: Superior National Forest, Kawishiwi Ranger District

SMOKE CONDITIONS: Smoke may be heavy and wide spread depending on wind direction.
 
RESOURCES: Nearly 200 personnel are assigned to the fire.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
Phone (218) 365-3177

Internet: www.inciweb.org/incident/2534 Follow us on Twitter@inciweb

Pagami Creek Fire now over 60,000 acres, threatening Isabella


View of fire from Jasper Lake by Chuck Dayton

View of Fire from Section 12 Lake by Chuck Dayton


 
View of fire from Garden Lake by Chuck Dayton September 12, 2011
We'll update you later today, when our report arrives.

MPR reports that the fire grew to 60,000 acres yesterday.

http://minnesota.publicradio.org/display/web/2011/09/13/pagami-fire-60000-acres-evacuations-underway/

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