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