Single Publication

Wood Lake Fire Update

Date: September 13, 2024     Size: 17 acres        Containment: 0%
Cause: Under Investigation   Start Date: September 10, 2024

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

Superior NF Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SuperiorNF

Twitter/X: https://x.com/SuperiorNF

Closure Information 

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Current Status and Resources: Fire acreage increased yesterday along the southeast perimeter due to 
firing operations aimed at strengthening the fire’s edge. Firefighters continue to suppress the 
fire, strengthen fire holding lines and use natural fire breaks such as wetlands when possible. 
Aircraft are being used to cool the fire and initiate suppression actions with the highest likelihood of success; however, increased fire weather remains elevated statewide and aerial resources may be limited. The National Preparedness Level remains at 5.

Planned Actions: Resources are planning for a potentially active fire day from forecasted increased 
winds and continued drying weather. Resources will continue to strengthen containment lines with a 
variety of tools including utilizing pumps and hose lays, using natural features, and using 
backfiring through hand ignition when needed to reduce spotting potential near the perimeter or 
containment line. Additionally, firefighters will be looking at contingency planning around the 
Moose Lake area today to analyze and plan 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.

Weather and Smoke: Today-mostly sunny with a high near 78. South winds 5-15 mph with gusts up to 20 
mph. Overnight-Partly cloudy. Low of 59. Southeast wind at 5 mph, with gusts up to 15 mph.
Saturday-A chance of showers with thunderstorms possible aft 1pm. Partly sunny. High of 76. South 
wind 5-10 mph, with gusts up to 15 mph. 30% chance of precipitation. Elevated burning conditions 
continue into the weekend.

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

Fire Summary: On Tuesday, September 10, 2024, around 11:00 a.m. a fire was detected on an island of 
Wood Lake, which is located north of County Road 18, within the Boundary Waters Canoe Area 
Wilderness (BWCAW) of the Superior National Forest (NF). The fire is located in Township 64, Range 
10, Section 26 on National Forest System land. An Emergency Closure Order wis in effect for 19 
locations including BWCAW Entry Point 26 on Wood Lake.