Boundary Waters Fire Update 10/13/2011

Pagami Creek Fire

Thursday, October 13, 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 87% contained and remains 92,682 acres. Moderate temperatures and precipitation aided firefighting efforts yesterday. Crews completed fireline south of Fishdance. Line construction continued along the East side of the fire near Ferne Lake and on the southwest side of the fire near Bog Lake.
Precipitation is likely again today and cooler, wetter conditions will continue to aid firefighting efforts. Mop-up will begin in the Fishdance Lake area. Crews will continue constructing line in the Ferne Lake and Bog Lake areas. Crews will continue with mop-up and patrol and will begin to back haul over 75 miles of hose from areas of the fire that are contained.
Fire restrictions throughout the state remain in effect. No campfires are allowed except in designated, developed campgrounds. Campfires are restricted in the entire BWCAW. Please see below for additional information.

ACTIVITIES TODAY
On the West, Northwest, Northeast portions of the fire crews will mop-up, patrol and back haul un-needed equipment.
On the East portion of the fire crews will continue to build fire line near Ferne Lake
On the Southern portions of the fire near Isabella patrol, mop-up and line improvement continues.
On the Southwestern portions, line construction and reinforcement of existing lines will continue in the Bog Lake area. 
WEATHER: Higher temperatures will continue today with a high of 54-58 degrees. Relative humidity is expected to be between 68-74%. Winds will be W/SW in the morning becoming NW at 7 - 12 mph.

AREA/ROAD CLOSURES: The Superior National Forest has expanded closures for areas adjacent to the Pagami Creek Fire as a precautionary measure to provide for public safety. Travel along Lake County 7 and FR 369, FR 373 and FR 377 is open. The area between these roads and the fire is closed. To see the updated list of closures and closure map, please visit www.fs.usda.gov/goto/superior/home or www.inciweb.org/incident/2534.

FIRE RESTRICTIONS: Campfires and other open fires are restricted across Minnesota.  For details regarding fire restrictions on the Superior National Forest see: www.fs.usda.gov/goto/superior/home.  For details regarding fire restrictions and conditions in other areas of Minnesota, see: www.mnics.org

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

CAUSE: Lightning

DETECTED: August 18, 2011

RESOURCES: There are currently 470 personnel assigned to the incident. Resources include: 8 hotshot (Type 1) crews, 7 Type 2 crews, 4 engines, 0 dozers, 1 water tenders, 3 camp crews and other personnel. The following air resources are available: 2 Type 1 helicopters, 4 Type 3 helicopters, 2 CL 215, and three Beaver aircraft on floats.