Single Publication

Wood Lake Fire Facts Sheet

Date: September 14, 2024   Size: 27 acres    Containment: 0%

Cause: Under Investigation-Human Caused*  Start Date: September 10, 2024

Fire Information:

Inciweb page: https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/mnsuf-wood-lake-wildfire

Closure Information

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Current Status and Resources: Firefighters continue to suppress the fire, strengthen holding lines with pumps and hose lays, use natural features, and backfire with hand ignition when needed to reduce spotting potential near the perimeter or containment line. Yesterday and overnight, fire activity included group tree torching, especially in pockets of spruce budworm infested balsam fir. Aircraft are working the fire to prevent more intense crown and running fire behavior. The National Preparedness Level remains at 5.

Planned Actions: Resources will scout for new containment line locations while continuing to strengthen existing lines on the west side and hold eastern lines. Additionally, firefighters continue to analyze contingency planning around the Moose Lake area, planning that wider perimeter area around the fire. 

Closures: The Superior National Forest implemented Emergency Closure Order #09-09-24-07 for the public’s health and safety due to the Wood Lake fire within the vicinity of recreation areas. The closure order includes Exhibit A-List of Closed Areas and Exhibit B-Closure map. For the safety of firefighting resources, no drones are allowed near the fire area and are illegal in federally designated wilderness areas. 

Weather and Smoke:  Today-mostly sunny, high near 78, with a 30% chance of showers and thunderstorms after 4pm. South winds 5-15 mph with gusts up to 20 mph. Overnight-a 10% chance of showers before 7pm, otherwise mostly cloudy. Low of 58. South wind at 5 mph, with gusts up to 15 mph. Sunday-Partly sunny. High of 79. South wind 5-10 mph, with gusts up to 20 mph

Overall air quality in the Ely area will be GOOD today. Wildfire smoke from Canada is possible in the area. https://www.airnow.gov/ and https://www.pca.state.mn.us/air-water-land- climate/air-quality-forecast

Fire Summary: On September 10, 2024, around 11:00 a.m. a fire was detected on an island of Wood Lake, located north of County Road 18, within the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW) of the Superior National Forest. The fire is located in T64, R10, S26 on National Forest System land. An Emergency Closure Order is in effect for 19 locations including BWCAW Entry Point 26 on Wood Lake.

*Superior NF law enforcement staff are requesting any information into the start of the fire. Please email the Superior NF Tipline at SM.FS.SUP-tipline@usda.gov, Superior NF Webpage Tipline. Thank you for your assistance.