BWCA Permit Reservations Open January 29th

Permit Reservations Open Soon!

With the wind chill nearing -50 on my walk to work this morning, it seems difficult to imagine open water.  That said, the paddling season will be here before you know it.  Today, I just want to remind you that on Wednesday, January 29th, permit reservations will open for the BWCA.

If you have questions about picking a route or with the permitting process, Drew and I are here to help.  Call us at 800-223-6565.

Happy Planning

Important Dates: 2014 BWCA Permit Reservation Process

For the best chance to get the permit of your choice, it is important to start planning early.  Now is a great time to grab your BWCA overview map and start dreaming of your 2014 trip.  If you don't have an overview map, contact us and we will send you one.  Follow this link to request Trip Planning Information.

Important Dates to Remember:
Permits for Fall Lake and Moose Lake can be obtained through a lottery. The lottery is open from 9:00am Central Time on December 17, 2013 to 9:00pm Central Time on January 14, 2014. After the lottery has run, all remaining Moose Lake and Fall Lake permits will be available on a first-come-first-served basis starting at 9:00am Central Time on January 29, 2014.

All other permits can obtained on a first-come-first-served basis beginning 9:00am Central Time on January 29, 2014.

Call us at 800-223-6565 and we will walk you through the permitting process and help you choose the route that best fits your group.

Happy Planning!

Fire in Boundary Waters results in Closures on South Arm of Knife Lake

From Yesterday:

West Zone Fire Update FROM YESTERDAY AFTERNOON
Ely, MN
Update August 27, 2013


The fires listed below are both within the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW) but they are affecting a very small portion of the BWCAW. All entry points remain open. Closures of campsites or portages will be listed as needed. Nearby visitors will see and hear increased arial and crew traffic.

Both BWCAW fires are under full suppression.Visitors are asked to give aircraft landing on lakes a wide berth for their own safety and the safety of firefighters. Closures posted on campsites and portages are for the safety of both public and fire fighters.

Current Fire Activity:

· Knife Lake Fire: fifteen to twenty acres burning north of the South Arm of Knife and south of Amoeber Lake: Township 65, Range 6 West, Section 18. Three foot flame lengths, creeping, occasional torching, light west winds. Fuel type is mix of balsam, Jackpine, and blowdown. The fire area received no appreciable rainfall last night. Sixteen fire fighterswill be in place today. Campsites and portages on the South Arm of Knife Lake will be closed. A closure order and map will be provided soon. Forest Service Beaver floatplanes will be shuttling crews and assisting with suppression. More aircraft resources may be used. A public safety crew will use a square stern with motor on the South Arm of Knife Lake. All BWCAW entry points remain open.

· Un-named fire near Sedative Lake, north of Ima: Township 64, Range 7 West, Section 17. A single tree was burning when discovered. Staff will be on site today. More resources may be ordered.

Contained and Controlled Fires:

· Disappointment Lake Fire: quarter acre, discovered Saturday evening, August 24, 2013. Controlled as of 8/26/13.

Canada:

· Two smokes were discovered in Canada yesterday afternoon—one near Crane Lake and another one north of Knife Lake well into Canada.

Ice Out Conditions From Forest Service as of Tuesday Night, May 14

 Tuesday PM, May 14, 2013 

A strong crosswind grounded the fire patrol this afternoon. New information from observers: 

• Disappointment is open. 

• Parent Lake (near Snowbank) is iced. Snowbank is still iced in. 

• Rice and August Lake are open. 

• Vermilion Lake was iced in yesterday. 

• Big Lake was reported open yesterday, but southerly winds pushed the ice pack to the northern half today. 

• The North Arm of Burntside is still frozen. The East Arm is full of dark ice. 

This information is from Monday’s flight: 

• Moose Lake: southwestern third is open; northeastern two thirds frozen but dark ice. 

• S. Kawishiwi R. and Gabbro Lake are mostly open. 

• Turtle is open. 

• There is ice in the middle of Bald Eagle. 

• Clearwater and Pietro are frozen (thin ice) but Gull is open. 

• Quadga and Bog are open. 

• Isabella and Perent still have a lot of ice in the middle. 

• Polly and Phoebe are open. 

• Alton and Sawbill are still frozen. 

• Generally the smaller lakes in the south east are open or mostly open. Larger lakes are still frozen. 

• Alice is frozen. 

• Insula south of The Rock is open, the northern portion is frozen. 

• Lake 3 is mostly open. 

• Knife Lake including the South Arm is mostly ice. 

• Saganaga is still frozen. 

FS Pilot report—this information is from a flight late Sunday afternoon. 

• Jackfish- 40% open 

• Open: Pipestone, Stuart, Agnes, Nina Moose, Ramshead, Upper and Lower Pauness 

• Frozen: Oyster 

• Bald Eagle- 60% open 

• Gabbro- 75% open 

• Open: Gull, Turtle, Lakes 1 and 2 

• Clearwater- frozen, but open around the edges. 

Today’s safety message: Bears are awake and hungry. Keep a clean camp. 

Winds are drying fine fuels quickly. Be careful with fire 

Ice Out Conditions May 13, 2013

Boundary Waters Ice Out Conditions:

The latest from the Forest Service:

Today’s Safety Message:
• Grasses are dry and cured. We’ve had a few small fires. Keep fires small and stay nearby.
• Winds will be from the south at 5 to 15 mph but with gusts up to 30 mph. Wear PFDs.
FS Pilot report—this information is from a flight late Sunday afternoon. There is a flight up now so more
information will be sent later:

Pipestone- open
Jackfish- 40% open
Stuart- open
Agnes- open
Oyster- frozen
Nina Moose- open
Ramshead- open
Upper & Lower Pauness- open
Bald Eagle- 60% open
Gabbro- 75% open
Gull- open
Pietro- open
Clearwater- frozen, but open around edges
Turtle- 25% open
Lakes 1,2,3 open
Moose Lake: southwestern third is open; northeastern portion frozen but dark ice.

Ice out Conditions THE COLD HARD FACTS May 8th 2013

Yikes, the cold hard facts...
                 Superior National Forest Ice Update
                                                                        May 8, 2013
                                                                     
Current Ice Conditions:
From FS pilots: They flew a west patrol yesterday from Jackfish west and south to Birch and Vermilion Lakes.
·         Everything was still frozen. Many lakes were still frozen right to the shoreline.

·         Fall Lake had the most open water around the edges but was still 80% ice covered.

·         Birch, Vermilion, Burntside, western Basswood including Pipestone and Jackfish Bays, S. Farm, and White Iron were frozen.

·         There was a little open water near the bridge on the northern end of White Iron and a little open water on the southeast end.

Reports from others:
·         Rivers are running hard but the lakes are not open.

·         Some people are venturing out over the ice (very dangerous!) only to find themselves confronting more ice.

·         A few smaller lakes are very black and may open with rain or wind.

·         Sawbill Lake had 23 inches of ice on it yesterday.

Final West Zone Boundary Waters Update Sept. 18, 2012

 Superior National Forest Fire Update

Sept. 18, 2012

Final Update

Special Notifications:  This is a Final Update.  Future updates will only be provided in the event of any new fires occurring or if there is a change in closures or restrictions. 

Fire restrictions remain in effect in the entire Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. Campfires are allowed only between 7 p.m. and midnight. Lake and portage closures related to the Hoist Bay Fire and the Parley Fire were lifted on 9/17/12.

Current Fire Activity:  

Parley Lake Fire, 35 acres, T66 R12 S18, within the BWCAW along the Beartrap River, was discovered Sept 12.  100% containment was reached by early evening on 9/16/12.  Fire crews are making good progress mopping up and taking care of hazard trees. Closures are lifted. Campfire restrictions remain in effect. 

Fort Frances #53, also known as the Norway Point Fire, 52 acres, remains on Canadian soil and is being monitored by Quetico and U.S. personnel.

Fort Frances #59/Emerald Lake Fire, between Knife Lake and Emerald Lake. The fire remains on the Quetico side and is currently smoldering and has a few pockets of fire.  Due to Canadian mapping, this fire is at 720 acres.  Forest Service crews are monitoring this fire and are prepared to actively support Canadian fire crews as needed. A closure has been put in place on the U.S. side to ensure visitor safety.  Closure:  From the US/Canadian border heading south along the section lines of T65N, R7 W, sections 21 and 28, including all campsites on islands and peninsulas on adjacent lands, the following lakes, portages, and campsites are closed:  from the US/Canadian border on Knife Lake to the east end of Swamp Lake, South Arm of Knife Lake, Little Knife Lake, Amoeber Lake, Topaz Lake, Cherry Lake, Hanson Lake, Clam Lake, Lunar Lake, Lake of the Clouds, Rivalry Lake,  Gijikiki Lake, Ester Lake, Ottertrack Lake, Rabbit Lake, Ashdick Lake, and Swamp Lake.  Portages from South Arm of Knife Lake to Bonnie Lake, South Arm of Knife Lake to Sema Lake, South Arm of Knife Lake to Eddy Lake, Swamp Lake to Saganaga Lake are closed.  Northbound travel from Bonnie Lake, across the Bonnie Lake to South Arm Knife Lake portage, and west bound transit through the South Arm Knife Lake to Knife Lake and out of the closure area is allowed.  Closure signs will be posted.

Resources Available: A total of 170 people are assigned or available on stand-by.  Forest Service and contract fire engines, Forest Service Beaver float planes, one Type 2 and one Type 3 helicopters are assigned to fire operations.  CL215s and more helicopters are available if needed.

Polly Lake Fire, T63N R6E S34 on the East Zone, estimated at one to two tenths of an acre is a new fire detected 9/16/12.  It remains in patrol status.

Mora Lake Fire on the east side of the forest, detected on 9/12, size revised to 3 acres.  The fire is 100% contained.  Aircraft will continue to patrol the fire.

Controlled Fires: 
Cummings Lake Fire, located at T64 R14 Section 28, BWCAW, was declared ‘controlled’ on 9/12/12.  The control line is holding and no reported smoke has been observed on this fire since 9/12/12.  The fire will be patrolled until declared out.  Colby Lake Fire, a half-acre fire near Hoyt Lakes, was detected and controlled on 9/13/12 and remains in patrol status.   Little Devil Fire, at T61N R1E S12, a 1/10 -acre fire outside the BWCAW near Grand Marais, was detected 9/15/12, quickly controlled, contained, and remains in patrol status. Peterson Lake Fire on the east side of the forest near Horn Lake: T 62 R4 S14, SW of the NW, detected 9/12.  Size is one quarter acre. This fire is contained and controlled.   Patrols will continue by aircraft. Windy Lake Fire, was a new fire detected 9/15/12 on the east side of Windy Lake, T61N, R6W, S26.  Crews immediately responded and controlled the fire at 1/10 acres.
 
Fires that are out:
Hoist Bay Fire, 2 1/2 acres within the BWCAW, T64 R10 S17, between Hoist and Back Bay of Basswood Lake was declared out 9/17/12 afternoon. Closures are lifted.  Campfire restrictions remain in effect.

Season Summary: 
In addition to the active fires listed above, crews have put out 11 fires since the beginning of September. Of a total of 54 fires during 2012, 32 were human caused and 22 were caused by lightning. The total acreage burned by wildfire as of 9/17/12 is 315.

Boundary Waters Fire Info Monday, Sept. 17, 2012

Superior National Forest Fire Update

Sept. 17, 2012

Special Notifications:  Rain predicted for the area yesterday did not materialize. Fire restrictions remain in effect in the entire Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. Campfires are allowed only between 7 p.m. and midnight. Lake and portage closures related to the Hoist Bay Fire and the Parley Fire will be lifted today.

Current Fire Activity: 

Parley Lake Fire, 35 acres, T66 R12 S18, within the BWCAW along the Beartrap River, was discovered Sept 12.  100% containment was reached by early evening on 9/16/12.  Fire crews will continue to reinforce fire lines. Closures are lifted. Campfire restrictions remain in effect.

Hoist Bay Fire 2 1/2 acres within the BWCAW, T64 R10 S17, between Hoist and Back Bay of Basswood Lake was declared out yesterday afternoon. Closures are lifted.  Campfire restrictions remain in effect.

Fort Frances #53, also known as the Norway Point Fire, 52 acres, remains on Canadian soil and is being monitored by Quetico and U.S. personnel.

Fort Frances #59/Emerald Lake Fire, between Knife Lake and Emerald Lake, is estimated at 525 acres, and continues to be active. The fire remains on the Quetico side.  Forest Service crews are monitoring this fire and are prepared to actively support Canadian fire crews as needed. A closure has been put in place on the U.S. side to ensure visitor safety.  The fire did not receive any precipitation last night. Closure:  From the US/Canadian border heading south along the section lines of T65N, R7 W, sections 21 and 28, including all campsites on islands and peninsulas on adjacent lands, the following lakes, portages, and campsites are closed:  from the US/Canadian border on Knife Lake to the east end of Swamp Lake, South Arm of Knife Lake, Little Knife Lake, Amoeber Lake, Topaz Lake, Cherry Lake, Hanson Lake, Clam Lake, Lunar Lake, Lake of the Clouds, Rivalry Lake,  Gijikiki Lake, Ester Lake, Ottertrack Lake, Rabbit Lake, Ashdick Lake, and Swamp Lake.  Portages from South Arm of Knife Lake to Bonnie Lake, South Arm of Knife Lake to Sema Lake, South Arm of Knife Lake to Eddy Lake, Swamp Lake to Saganaga Lake are closed.  Northbound travel from Bonnie Lake, across the Bonnie Lake to South Arm Knife Lake portage, and west bound transit through the South Arm Knife Lake to Knife Lake and out of the closure area is allowed.  Closure signs will be posted.

Resources Available: A total of 180 people are assigned or available on stand-by.  Forest Service and contract fire engines, Forest Service Beaver float planes, one Type 2 and two Type 3 helicopters are assigned to fire operations.  CL215s and more helicopters are available if needed.

Polly Lake Fire, T63N R6E S34 on the East Zone, estimated at one to two tenths of an acre is a new fire detected 9/16/12.  It remains in patrol status.

Mora Lake Fire on the east side of the forest, detected on 9/12, size revised to 3 acres.  The fire is 100% contained.  Aircraft will continue to patrol the fire.

Controlled Fires:

Cummings Lake Fire, located at T64 R14 Section 28, BWCAW, was declared ‘controlled’ on 9/12/12.  The control line is holding and no reported smoke has been observed on this fire since 9/12/12.  The fire will be patrolled until declared out.  Colby Lake Fire, a half-acre fire near Hoyt Lakes, was detected and controlled on 9/13/12 and remains in patrol status.   Little Devil Fire, at T61N R1E S12, a 1/10 -acre fire outside the BWCAW near Grand Marais, was detected 9/15/12, quickly controlled, contained, and remains in patrol status. Peterson Lake Fire on the east side of the forest near Horn Lake: T 62 R4 S14, SW of the NW, detected 9/12.  Size is one quarter acre. This fire is contained and controlled.   Patrols will continue by aircraft. Windy Lake Fire, was a new fire detected 9/15/12 on the east side of Windy Lake, T61N, R6W, S26.  Crews immediately responded and controlled the fire at 1/10 acres.

Season Summary:

In addition to the active fires listed above, crews have put out 10 fires since the beginning of September. Of a total of 54 fires during 2012, 32 were human caused and 22 were caused by lightning. The total acreage burned by wildfire as of 9/15/12 is 315.

Boundary Waters Fire Closures Update with Maps Sept. 13, 5:30 P.M.

Superior NF Fire Press Release

Please note: the closures associated with Knife Lake are included in this release.

DATE: September 13, 2012

A series of small wildfires are currently burning in or adjacent to northern parts of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW).  In light of this fire activity and projected weather, the Forest Service is closing some lakes and surrounding areas to protect public safety.

The following lakes, campsites, and portages within the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness are closed:

Related to Hoist Lake Fire

Four Mile Portage, Ella Hall, Mud Lakes, Slumber, and Muskeg Lakes and campsites; the waters and campsites of Hoist and Back Bays of Basswood Lake, the portages from Pipestone to Back Bay, Back Bay toward Half Dog Island (a.k.a. Frog Portage), and from Hoist Bay to Good Lake.

Click Map for Larger image

Related to Parley Lake Fire

Sunday and Saturday Bay Campsites in Crooked Lake; Zones 5, 1, and 2 of the Sundial Primitive Management Area—all the lakes and waterways within that area including: the Beartrap River from Beartrap Lake north to Iron Lake, Parley, Sunday, Sundial, Bunggee, Sinneeg, and Ritual Lakes ; Travel will be allowed through the bays of Crooked Lake but camping will not be allowed on Sunday and Saturday Bays; Travel will NOT be allowed on the Beartrap River.

Click Map to view Larger Image

Related to Emerald Lake Fire (fire is on Canadian side of border)

From the US/Canadian border on Knife Lake to the end of Ottertrack Lake, South Arm of Knife Lake, Little Knife Lake, Amoeber Lake, Topaz Lake, Cherry Lake, Hanson Lake, Lunar Lake, Lake of the Clouds, Rivalry Lake, Gijikiki Lake, Ester Lake, Ottertrack Lake, Rabbit Lake, Ashdick Lake.  This includes area from the US/Canadian border heading south along the section lines of T 65 N, R 7 W, sections 21 and 28, including all campsites on islands and peninsula on adjacent lands, the following lakes, portages, and campsites. 

For updates regarding closures and restrictions, please see the Superior National Forest website:   www.fs.usda.gov/superior

For information about active wildfires, see: www.inciweb.org

Boundary Waters Fire Update CLOSURES Sept. 13, 1:00 p.m.

West Zone Fire Update

                                                                                      Ely, MN

                                                                          Sept. 13, 2012 1:00 p.m. 

   

Special Notifications:  Various closures are in effect due to the Parley Fire and the Hoist Bay Fire. Please see the details below.  Public Safety crews are posting these areas.  Also, 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 S18, east of the Beartrap River, north of Sunday Lake, west of Sunday Bay of Crooked Lake, discovered Sept 12. Aircraft are continuing water drops. A ground crew is on scene.

Closures:  Campsites on Sunday and Saturday Bays of Crooked Lake, the Beartrap River, and Zones 1, 2, and 5 of the Sundial Primitive Management Area are closed. Travel throughSunday and Saturday Bays is still being allowed.

Hoist Bay Fire: approximately 2 1/2 acres, T64 R10 S17, between Hoist and Back Bay of Basswood Lake. This fire was detected at 5:40 pm on 9/12/12. Type 2 Helicopters and CL215s dropped water until dark.

Closures:  Four mile portage, Ella Hall, Muskeg, Slumber, and Mud Lakes (out of Fall Lake) plus Back Bay and Hoist Bay of Basswood.  Additional portage closures include Pipestone to Back Bay, Back Bay toward Half Dog Island/Basswood, and from Hoist Bay to Good Lake.  Public Safety crews are notifying visitors in the area.

Fort Frances #53, also known as the Norway Point Fire remains on Canadian soil and is being monitored by Quetico and U.S. personnel.

Fort Frances #59, between Knife and Emerald Lake, approximately 300 acres, is also very active. The fire remains on the Quetico side and is also being closely monitored on both sides.

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 include three Forest Service Beaver float planes and one Cessna on floats, two Type 2 helicopters, 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’ on 9/12/12. The fire line is holding well but the fire 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. Declared ‘controlled’ on 9/12/12.

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.

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

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

Closures Now in Boundary Waters due to Fire

September 13th 8:45 a.m.

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.

this is due to yesterday's activity summarized below:

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.

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.

Boundary Waters Closures Lifted -- FIRE RESTRICTIONS STILL IN EFFECT

West Zone Fire Update

                                                                                      Ely, MN

                                                                          Sept. 11, 2012 noon

   

Special Notifications:  The warm, dry, and windy conditions continue. A fire restriction for the entire BWCAW remains in effect, allowing visitors to have campfires only at night from 7:00 pm to midnight.  Gas and propane stoves are permitted anytime.

Current Fire Activity: 

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, received water drops by the Forest Service floatplane and Sikorsky Type 2 helicopter yesterday. A crew was flown in this morning and more bucket work will be done by the helicopter.

Fort Frances #53, also known as the Norway Point Fire, continues to burn in the Quetico. U.S. and Canadian crews are monitoring this fire. It is listed at approximately 40 acres.

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.

Contained Fires:

Cummings Lake Fire: T64 R14 Section 28, BWCAW; crews anticipate calling this fire controlled after the line is tested today with dry, windy conditions.

Fires Suppressed and Declared Out:

Out on 9/11/12: Wooden Leg Fire (T64 R9 Section 13: -91 25.43, 48 01.42) BWCAW: declared out 9:30 a.m. today. 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.

Out on 9/10/12: Rivard Fire, R 61, R 13, portions of Sections 23 and 24,

Out on 9/6/12: Beartrap Fire;

Out on 9/7/12: Cloquet Line, Hawk’s Nest, Thunder Lake, Spring Creek, Fire Lake, and Aikio Fires.

Boundary Waters Fire Update with Fire Restrictions and Closures

West Zone Fire Update

                                                                                      Ely, MN

                                                                          Sept. 9, 2012 2:30 p.m.

  

Special Notifications:  A fire restriction for the entire BWCAW continues to be in effect.  It allows visitors to have campfires only at night from 7:00 pm to Midnight.  Gas and propane stoves are permitted anytime.

Current Fire Activity:  All fires are contained, controlled, or out. A small amount of rain (less than a half inch over most of the area) plus cooler temperatures calmed fire danger yesterday. Weather for today and the next few days is predicted to be warmer with more wind. If any lightning-started fire remains, it could show itself in the next few days.

Resources Available: Forest Service Fire Engines, approximately 40 personnel. The two out-of-state ground crews, Beartown and Ponderosa, will be released today or tomorrow.  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.

Contained Fires:

Cummings Lake Fire: T64 R14 Section 28, BWCAW; On a peninsula separating the west end of Cummings Lake from the northeast side of Otter Lake.  50 Acres. 100% contained.  Mop up efforts are underway.

Controlled Fires:

Wooden Leg Fire:  T64 R9 Section 13: -91 25.43, 48 01.42, BWCAW: Approximately ¼  acre.  Due to effective mop up efforts this fire has been moved from ‘Contained’ to ‘Controlled’.  The closure of Ensign and surrounding lakes and portages remains in effect at this time. Warmer temperatures, higher winds, and dryer conditions are expected early next week. A closure map can be found on the Superior National Forest website: http://www.fs.usda.gov/main/superior/home

Click Map for Larger Image of Closures

Closures:  Ensign, Vera, Trident, Frog, Splash, Spigot, Perdu, Trader, Shallow, Arkose, Explorer, Bedford, Wooden Leg, Grub, Ashigan, Missionary, Boot, Haven, Abinodji, Swing, and Gibson Lakes. The Snowbank Hiking Trail from Boot Lake west to the Trailhead is also closed.  Sucker Lake has a few campsites closed near the Splash portage.

Suppressed fires now ‘Out’

Beartrap Fire, Out on 9/6/12

Cloquet Line Fire, Out on 9/7/12

Hawk’s Nest Fire, Out on 9/7/12

Thunder Lake Fire, Out on 9/7/12

Spring Creek Fire: Out on 9/7/12

Fire Lake Fire:  Out on 9/7/12

Aikio Fire, Out on 9/7/12

Fire Restrictions and Fire Activity Boundary Waters Sept. 6, 2012

 Update Sept. 6, 2012

​​​​​​     5:00 pm

Special Notification:  A fire restriction for the entire BWCAW beginning Sept. 6th allows visitors to havecampfires only at night from 7:00 pm to Midnight.  Gas and propane stoves are permitted anytime.

The fires listed below are only affecting a small portion of the BWCAW. All entry points remain open.  Closures of specific lakes or portages are being listed as needed.

Current Fire Activity:

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Fire Lake Fire:  BWCAW, 1/10 acre, detected 9/6/12

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Wooden Leg Fire: T64 R9 Section 13: -91 25.43, 48 01.42, BWCAW: Approximately ¼ acre.  

The Wooden Leg Fire (located between Moose and Snowbank Lake) was knocked back with CL215water dropping aircraft but continues to show fire activity and is putting up smoke.  This fire, although very small at this time, is located near blowdown with a heavy balsam regrowth. Fire crews are currently working their way in to where it will be safe to work.  Closures:  As a precautionary measure, a closure is now in effect for Ensign Lake and nearby lakes including Vera, Trident, Frog, Splash, Spigot, Perdu, Trader, Shallow, Arkose, Explorer, Bedford, Wooden Leg, Grub, Ashigan, Missionary, Boot, Haven,Abinodji, Swing, and Gibson. The Snowbank Hiking Trail from Boot Lake west to the Trailhead is alsoclosed.  Sucker Lake has a few campsites closed near the Splash portage. Public Safety crews continue tosweep and will be posting portages leading to that area. 

Click Map for Larger version

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Cummings Lake Fire: T64 R14 Section 28 on a peninsula separating the west end of Cummings Lake from the northeast side of Otter Lake.  50 Acres. 80% contained.

Suppression action is being taken on all of the fires listed above.

Resources: Forest Service Fire Engines, approximately 65 personnel, including 2 out of state ground crews-one 10 person and one 20 person, 2 helicopters, 2 CL215s available in the state, and the Beaver float planes.

Contained and Controlled Fires:

Cloquet Line Fire, contained 9/3/12

Aikio Fire, contained 9/4/12

Hawk’s Nest Fire, controlled 9/5/12

Thunder Lake Fire, contained, 9/6/12

Spring Creek Fire: contained 9/6/12

Suppressed fires now ‘Out’

Beartrap Fire, Out on 9/6/12

Canada:

Fort Frances #53, the Canadian Fire on Norway Point of Basswood Lake, was approximately 40 acres. Firecontinues creeping to the north, deeper into Canada, clearing up ground debris and brush with only occasional tree torching, smoke throughout, no major activity.