Delta Lake and "West Zone" Fires Fact Sheet July 24, 2021

SUMMARY: The West Zone of the Superior National Forest, consisting of the Laurentian, Kawishiwi and LaCroix Districts, continues to have steady fire activity due to ongoing moderate to severe drought conditions.  The Eastern Area Incident Management Team is supporting the Forest with all suppression efforts related to the Delta Lake Fire and all planning efforts associated with three Canadian fires threatening the U.S. border adjacent to the BWCAW. Local Forest fire resources continue to respond to and suppress any new fire starts.  

DELTA LAKE FIRE: Fire was reported on July 7th on state and National Forest System lands, adjacent to the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW), in dense blowdown. The 62-acre fire is 80% contained. An infrared flight flew over the fire yesterday.  This helped crews conducting mop-up operations focus on any interior pockets of heat that remain.  The recent rain has moderated fire behavior. Crews continue to fine-tune their structure protection plans and haul sprinkler, hose and pumps out of areas that are secured with contingency lines. A closure area in the BWCAW near the Delta Lake Fire was lifted yesterday, July 23rd.

BEAR CREEK FIRE:  Fire was reported west of Ely on July 22nd near Lake Vermilion and is currently burning in a hardwood stand. It is estimated to be 7-acres.  Helicopters, with water dropping capability, have been working the fire for nearly two days supporting the personnel on the ground.  The fire will be monitored for any additional growth or heat. 

CANADA FIRES: There are several wildfires burning in Quetico Provincial Park in Canada, directly across the international border from the BWCAW in the Superior National Forest. Three fires have the potential to spread across the border into the areas of Crooked and Iron Lake.  An air assessment flight was conducted; personnel reported some heat, but mostly creeping with very little movement.  Crews continue working near Curtain Falls, concentrating on developing contingency lines, prep-work and identifying critical resource needs.  Structure protection planning and mitigation efforts are ongoing. Public safety division will continue making sweeps within the closure area and talking with the public and directing them out, in a safe and orderly manner.

CLOSURES:

There is one area closure in place adjacent to the Canadian border in BWCAW. For details, visit the Superior National Forest webpage at https://go.usa.gov/xFC8y.    The closure will be in place until fires in the region no longer pose a risk to public safety.

FIRE RESTRICTIONS:

·     All campfires prohibited on the Superior National Forest and in BWCAW, including designated fire ring
·     Additional fire restrictions imposed by Minnesota DNR. Visit: dnr.state.mn/forestry/fire 
·     Report fires early, dial 911

DRONES:

·     Flying drones in restricted fire areas with aircraft will shut down all air operations.

EVACUATIONS:

None