More Boundary Waters Fires on September 12, 2012

Thursday Morning 8:45
New Update from the West Zone Fire Information Desk.

We are closing campsites on Sunday and Saturday Bay of Crooked Lake and the Beartrap River through Zones 1, 2, and 5 of the Sundial PMA.

We are closing the Four Mile Portage, Ella Hall, and Mud Lake (out of Fall Lake) plus Back Bay of Basswood.  Portage closure are the 70 rod from Pipestone to Back Bay, the 90 rod from Back Bay toward Half Dog Island/Basswood, and the 68 rod from Hoist Bay to Good Lake.

Closures are for the camper's safety and for the safety of the fire fighters.

West Zone Fire Update

                                                                                      Ely, MN

                                                                          Sept. 12, 2012 afternoon

   

Special Notifications:  The stiff winds increased fire activity today. Fire restrictions remain in effect in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. Campfires are allowed only between 7 p.m. and midnight.

Current Fire Activity: 

Parley Lake Fire, is estimated at 75 acres, in the BWCAW, T66 R12 S8, east of the Beartrap River, north of Sunday Lake, east of Sunday Bay of Crooked Lake, discovered today. This fire is receiving water drops from a medium helicopter and CL215s today. A ground crew will be on scene soon. Campsites on Sunday Bay of Crooked Lake and the Sundial Primitive Management Area will be closed to secure public safety and allow fire fighters ample room to work.

Hoist Bay Fire: approximately one acre, T64 R11 S17, between Hoist and Back Bay of Basswood Lake, discovered at about 5:40 p.m. CL215s are on the way. Public Safety crews are going in by motor boat.

Fort Frances #53, also known as the Norway Point Fire, put up a lot of smoke this afternoon, worrying residents on Snowbank and Moose Lake. The fire remains on Canadian soil and is being monitored by Quetico and U.S. personnel.

Fort Frances #59, between Knife and Emerald Lake is also very active today with smoke running parallel to the shore of Knife Lake. The smoke caused concern along the Gunflint Trail. The fire remains on the Quetico side and is also being closely monitored on both sides.

Birch Lake #2 Fire was fought by Forest Service, Morse/Fall Lake, and Babbitt Fire Departments today. The fire was declared out at one tenth of an acre.

Peterson Lake Fire on the east side of the forest near Horn Lake: T 62 R4 S14, SW of the NW is one quarter acre. The FS Beaver is dropping water on it.

Resources Available: Forest Service Fire Engines, approximately 30 personnel. Aircraft in Ely are two Beaver float planes, a Sikorsky Type 2 helicopter, and a Type 3 helicopter.  CL215s and more helicopters are available if needed.

Controlled Fires:

Cummings Lake Fire: T64 R14 Section 28, BWCAW; declared controlled today. The fire line held well under windy conditions but will not be out without significant rain or snowfall. This fire will be monitored by both ground and air crews.

Camp Lake Fire is one tenth of an acre. Discovered yesterday and declared controlled this afternoon.

Fires Suppressed and Declared Out:

The Batista Fire near Batista Lake, Township 66, Range 13, the northeast corner of Section 9—east of (U.S.) Agnes and west of Iron Lake, was declared out this afternoon. Wooden Leg Fire (T64 R9 Section 13: -91 25.43, 48 01.42) out yesterday: The lake, portage, and trail closures associated with this fire are lifted. 

Fire restrictions (fires only between 7 p.m. and midnight) are still in effect in this area as well as within the entire BWCAW.

8 other fires were declared out between September 6th and 10^th.