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.