Single Publication

Wood Lake Fire Update

Date: September 15, 2024      Size: 27 acres     Containment: 25%
Cause: Under Investigation-Human Caused*            Start Date: September 10, 2024
Fire Information:
Inciweb page: https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/mnsuf-wood-lake-fire

 Closure Information

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Current Status and Resources: Firefighters made good progress yesterday with higher humidity 
levels, continuing to reinforce the fire’s containment line. They continue to suppress the fire, 
strengthen holding lines with low intensity burning and using natural features, backfiring with 
hand ignition when needed to reduce spotting potential near the perimeter or containment line. The 
National Preparedness Level remains at 5.

Planned Actions: A Suppression Module of firefighters from Connecticut have arrived to assist with 
the fire. Resources will continue to scout for the best containment lines while strengthening 
existing lines on the west side and hold eastern lines. Using minimum impact strategies and 
tactics. 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-Partly sunny with a high near 79. South winds 5-10mph with gusts up to 
20mph. Overnight-A slight chance of showers and thunderstorms, then a chance of showers after 8pm. 
Partly cloudy with a low of 63. South wind 5mph, with gusts to 15mph. 30% chance of precipitation.
Monday-30% chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1pm. Partly sunny, high of 80. South winds at 
5mph, with gusts of 15mph.

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-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 or Superior NF Webpage Tipline. Thank you for your assistance.