Due to dry conditions, fire activity, and limited resources, the Superior National Forest has prohibited campfires and open fires on Superior National Forest and in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. Until this restriction is lifted, campfires are only allowed in approved fire structures that have been installed and maintained by the Forest Service in *fee campgrounds*. All other campfires are prohibited.

Date: Saturday, July 10, 2021 1:00 p.m.

Fire Information: 218-214-7844 or online at Inciweb: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/ or the Superior National Forest website: www.fs.usda.gov/superior                                          

Incident Names: Astray, Picketts, and Hassel Fires

Locations: Northeastern Minnesota, Lake County & St. Louis County ·        Astray Fire – Township 63 North, Range 10 West, Section 34 ·        Picketts Fire– Township 63 North, Range 12 West, Section 12 ·        Hassel Lake – Township 63 North, Range 14 West, Section 16 Description: On July 7, 2021, the Astray wildfire was reported on the west zone of the Superior National Forest. On July 8th, two additional fires (Picketts and Hassel) were also detected. Northeastern Minnesota is experiencing drought conditions with sporadic thunderstorms and lightning. ·        The Astray Fire is approximately one acre in size and located inside the BWCAW, west of Clearwater Lake and east of Clear Lake. The fire is within mixed timber and blowdown. It is located 11 miles east of Ely and is presumed started by lightning. ·        The Picketts Lake Fire is approximately one-tenth acre in size and is located south of Picketts Lake approximately four miles northeast of Ely. It is presumed to be started by lightning and is burning in balsam and blowdown. The fire is approximately four miles northeast of Ely. ·        The Hassel Fire was originally reported on June 4, 2021 southwest of Hassel Lake in the BWCAW. It was placed in patrol and monitor status, but it was reported to have experienced additional minor fire activity on July 8. The entire fire is currently 21 acres; however, only one-half acre is new fire activity. It is located west of Crab Lake and Burntside Lake, approximately 10 miles northeast of Tower, and 14 miles northwest of Ely, MN.

Status and Resources:

Astray Fire: Resources made good progress with the cooler temperatures and low winds. Crews will be paddling out tomorrow and the Forest will continue to monitor the fire with aerial resources. Picketts Fire: Firefighters have actively suppressed the fire and are mop up. Crews remain on scene.

Hassel Fire: Three firefighters and two BIA crews are currently mopping up the fire.

Planned Actions: A Type 3 MN Incident Command Team arrived yesterday and has assumed command over the Delta Lake Fire. With that, the Forest is managing command over the remaining three fires listed in this facts sheet. While these fires are currently successfully being suppressed and mopped up, the Forest has ordered additional resources for initial attack due to the continued dry fuel conditions and forecasted dry weather. However, obtaining additional fire resources is proving challenging due to national and local resource shortage. Forest visitors should continue to be aware of the dry conditions and expect to see aircraft being used for fire response and detection.Closures/Campfire Prohibited: Currently, campfires are only allowed in developed fee campgrounds. Additionally. the following BWCAW entry points are closed:·        #56-Kekekabic Trail East·        #74-Kekekabic Trail West/Snowbank are closedAdditionally, the following lakes, campsites, and portages in the BWCAW are closed: ·       Parent   ·        Disappointment·        Jitterbug·        Ahsub·        Becoosin·        Benezie·        Adventure·        Rifle·        Bridge·        Fire·        Drag Primitive Management Area  

 United States Department of Agriculture

JULY 11, 2021 11:00 a.m. FACT SHEET  2021 SUF West Zone Fires 
Date: Sunday, July 11, 2021 11:00 a.m.

Fire Information: 218-214-7844 or online at Inciweb: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/ or the Superior National Forest website: www.fs.usda.gov/superior                                        

Incident Names: Astray, Picketts, and Hassel Fires

Locations: Northeastern Minnesota, Lake County & St. Louis County·       Astray Fire – Township 63 North, Range 10 West, Section 34·       Picketts Fire– Township 63 North, Range 12 West, Section 12 ·       Hassel Fire– Township 63 North, Range 14 West, Section 16 

Description: On July 7, 2021, the Astray wildfire was reported on the west zone of the Superior National Forest. On July 8th, two additional fires (Picketts and Hassel) were also detected. Northeastern Minnesota is experiencing drought conditions with sporadic thunderstorms and lightning.

·      The Astray Fire is approximately one acre in size and located inside the BWCAW, west of Clearwater Lake and east of Clear Lake. The fire is within mixed timber and blowdown. It is located 11 miles east of Ely and is presumed started by lightning. ·      The Picketts Lake Fire is approximately one-tenth acre in size and is located south of Picketts Lake approximately four miles northeast of Ely. It is presumed to be started by lightning and is burning in balsam and blowdown. The fire is approximately four miles northeast of Ely. ·      The Hassel Fire was originally reported on June 4, 2021 southwest of Hassel Lake in the BWCAW. It was placed in patrol and monitor status, but it was reported to have experienced additional minor fire activity on July 8. The entire fire is currently 21 acres; however, only one-half acre is new fire activity. It is located west of Crab Lake and Burntside Lake, approximately 10 miles northeast of Tower, and 14 miles northwest of Ely, MN.

Status and Resources:

Astray Fire: Crews have suppressed the fire. They are paddling out today and the Forest will continue to monitor the fire with aerial resources. Picketts Fire: Firefighters have actively suppressed the fire and are mop up. Crews remain on scene.

Hassel Fire: Three firefighters and two BIA crews are currently mopping up the fire. They will remain on scene for a few more days or if conditions change.

Planned Actions: A Type 3 MN Incident Command Team arrived yesterday and has assumed command over the Delta Lake Fire. With that, the Forest is managing command over the remaining three fires listed in this fact sheet. While these fires are currently successfully being suppressed and mopped up, the Forest has ordered additional resources for initial attack due to the continued dry fuel conditions and forecasted dry weather. However, obtaining additional fire resources is proving challenging due to national and local resource shortage. Forest visitors should continue to be aware of the dry conditions and expect to see aircraft being used for fire response and detection.

Closures/Campfire Prohibited: Currently, campfires are only allowed in developed fee campgrounds. Additionally. the following BWCAW entry points, lakes, campsites, and portages in the BWCAW are closed:

Entry points:

·       #56-Kekekabic Trail East ·       #74-Kekekabic Trail West/Snowbank are closed

Lakes, campsites, and portages:

·       Parent ·       Disappointment ·       Jitterbug ·       Ahsub ·       Becoosin ·       Benezie ·       Adventure ·       Rifle ·       Bridge ·       Fire ·       Drag Primitive Management Area

UPDATES FROM THE SUPERIOR NATIONAL FOREST ON OTHER “WEST ZONE” FIRES:

The Astray Fire is approximately one acre in size and located inside the BWCAW, west of Clearwater Lake and east of Clear Lake. The fire is within mixed timber and blowdown. It is located 11 miles east of Ely and is presumed started by lightning. The fire is controlled. The Forest continues to monitor the fire with aerial resources.

The Picketts Lake Fire is approximately one-tenth acre in size and is located south of Picketts Lake approximately four miles northeast of Ely. It started by lightning presumably and is burning in balsam and blowdown. The fire is controlled. Crews are conducting daily fire checks for smokes and hot spots.

The Hassel Fire was originally reported on June 4, 2021 southwest of Hassel Lake in the BWCAW. It was placed in patrol and monitor status, but it was reported to have experienced additional minor fire activity on July 8. The entire fire is currently 21 acres; however, only one-half acre is new fire activity. It is located west of Crab Lake and Burntside Lake, approximately 10 miles northeast of Tower, and 14 miles northwest of Ely, MN. Firefighting crews remain on scene.

In addition, the Forest is monitoring Canada’s fire activity along the international border.

WEATHER: High pressure will prevail through Monday. Hazy skies are expected due to smoke from Canada’s wildfires. Temperatures will be warmer today, with light and variable winds. There is chance of rain Monday night, with additional chances through Thursday.

CAMPFIRE RESTRICTIONS: Due to dry conditions, fire activity, and limited resources, the Superior National Forest has prohibited campfires on the Superior National Forest and the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. Until this restriction is lifted, campfires are only allowed in approved fire structures that have been installed and maintained by the Forest Service in fee campgrounds. All other campfires are prohibited. For more information, visit https://www.fs.usda.gov/main/superior/home .

CLOSURES:

These BWCAW entry points are closed:

•#56 – Kekekabic Trail East          •#74 – Kekekabic Trail West/Snowbank

These BWCAW lakes, campsites, and portages are closed:

•Parent •Adventure •Rifle •Disappointment •Bridge •Jitterbug •Fire •Ahsub

•Drag Primitive Management Area •Becoosin •Benezie

Closures will be in place until the Delta Lake Fire and the others in the region no longer pose a risk to the public.

 West Zone Complex and Delta Lake Fire
   Tuesday, July 13, 2021    10:00 a.m. 

·         The Astray Fire is approximately one acre and located west of Clearwater Lake and east of Clear Lake. The fire is controlled and being monitored from the air. ·         The Picketts Lake Fire is one-tenth acre in size and is located south of Picketts Lake, approximately four miles northeast of Ely. The fire is controlled and monitored daily. ·         The Hassel Fire is 21 acres and is located west of Crab Lake, 14 miles northwest of Ely. Crews have placed the fire in controlled status. Resources will continue to patrol the fire daily and monitor for any further fire activity. In addition, the Forest is monitoring Canada’s fire activity along the international border.

WEATHER: A cold front will continue to move southeast through the fire, with showers and scattered thunderstorms after noon. Winds shift southwest to west around mid-day.

CAMPFIRE RESTRICTIONS: Campfires are prohibited on the Superior National Forest and in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness due to dry conditions, fire activity, and limited firefighting resources. Campfires are allowed in approved fire structures that have been installed and maintained by the Forest Service in fee campgrounds. More information: https://www.fs.usda.gov/main/superior/home .

STATE RESTRICTIONS: Minnesota activated additional burning restrictions Tuesday, July 13 at 12:01 a.m. for the eastern portion of Roseau County and all of Beltrami, Cook, Koochiching, Lake, Lake of the Woods, and St. Louis counties, within state jurisdiction. For details, visit: www.dnr.state.mn/forestry/fire/index.html .

CLOSURES (Check before you go!):

These BWCAW entry points are closed:
  •#56 – Kekekabic Trail East          •#74 – Kekekabic Trail West/Snowbank 

These BWCAW lakes, campsites, and portages are closed: 

•Parent •Adventure •Rifle •Disappointment •Bridge •Jitterbug •Fire •Ahsub •Drag Primitive Management Area •Becoosin •Benezie
  Closures will be in place until fires in the region no longer pose a risk to the public.
 
 INCIDENT INFORMATION:  https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7643

Facebook: U.S. Forest Service-Superior National Forest | Facebook

Fire Information  2021.westzone@firenet.gov or 218-214-7844

 

West Zone Complex and Delta Lake Fire Fact Sheet 

Wednesday, July 14, 2021  10:00 a.m. 

The Astray, Picketts, and Hassel Fires are all in controlled status. The Forest continues to patrol and monitor the fires daily by aerial resources. In addition, the Forest continues to monitor Canada’s wildfire activity along the international boundary.

WEATHER: Wednesday will be mostly sunny with areas of smoke. Late afternoon holds a slight chance of showers and thunderstorms.

CAMPFIRE RESTRICTIONS: Campfires are prohibited on the Superior National Forest and in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness due to dry conditions, fire activity, and limited firefighting resources. Campfires are allowed in approved fire structures that have been installed and maintained by the Forest Service in fee campgrounds. More information: https://www.fs.usda.gov/main/superior/home .

STATE RESTRICTIONS: Minnesota activated additional burning restrictions July 13 for the eastern portion of Roseau County and all of Beltrami, St. Louis, Koochiching, Lake, Lake of the Woods, and Cook counties. More: www.dnr.state.mn/forestry/fire/index.html .

CLOSURES (Check before you go!):

These BWCAW entry points are closed:
  •#56 – Kekekabic Trail East          •#74 – Kekekabic Trail West/Snowbank 

These BWCAW lakes, campsites, and portages are closed: 

•Parent •Adventure •Rifle •Disappointment •Bridge •Jitterbug •Fire •Ahsub •Drag Primitive Management Area •Becoosin

INCIDENT INFORMATION:  https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7643

Facebook: U.S. Forest Service-Superior National Forest | Facebook

Fire Information  2021.westzone@firenet.gov or 218-214-7844

West Zone Complex Fire Update

Monday, July 26, 2021

MNICS Team B, Incident Commander Tom Roach

Email: 2021.westzone@firenet.gov

SUMMARY:  The West Zone of the Superior National Forest, consisting of the Laurentian, Kawishiwi and LaCroix Districts, continues to host steady fire activity under the current moderate-to-severe- drought conditions.  Despite the recent rain, precipitation amounts were not enough to significantly reduce the season-long moisture deficit.  The Eastern Area Type 2 Silver Team is in the process of demobilizing, and MNICS Type 3 Team Bravo assumed command of the West Zone Complex at 8:00pm Sunday, July 25.  Local Forest fire resources continue to respond to and suppress any new fire starts.

 DELTA LAKE FIRE: The 62-acre Delta Lake fire is 92 percent contained.  Crews mopped up hot spots in the interior identified by aircraft. Gusty winds remain a concern, especially around snags, standing dead trees, which pose safety risks to firefighters.  Firefighters will continue to patrol and cool hot spots as they begin fire suppression repair, which involves removing fire equipment and maintenance to return sensitive areas to their pre-fire natural condition.

SUPERIOR WEST ZONE FIRES: Yesterday’s conditions led to increased activity on the Phantom Creek Fire (detected July 24) and Bear Creek Fire (detected July 22).  Bear Creek Fire is located north of Mud Creek Road and Phantom Creek is north of Wolf Lake Road on the east side of Lake Vermilion. Both fires are within the BWCA Wilderness.  The current size estimates of the Phantom Creek is 3.5 acres, with Bear Creek at 10 acres.  Three Fire Bosses and three helicopters performed water drops on the fires to reduce the rate of spread and minimize fire activity.  Yesterday, a new start occurred near Fourtown Lake within the BWCAW.  The fire was estimated to be 15 to 20 acres and will be continually patrolled and monitored.  The Sundial Fire is still showing smoke but does not appear to have grown. All current fires and any new starts today will be fully suppressed by available initial attack resources from the team and local area. 

CANADA FIRES:  The Quetico Provincial Park has several fires burning across the international border from the BWCAW.  Three of the fires have the potential to spread across the border into areas near Crooked and Iron Lakes.  Recent rain has kept any fire spread to a slow creep, but more growth is expected in the days ahead. Yesterday, fires across the region experienced increase fire activity due to gusty winds and dry weather. Crews continue work near Curtain Falls to develop contingency lines and identify critical resource needs.  Structure protection planning and mitigation efforts are nearing conclusion.  The Public Safety Division will continue sweeps within the closure area.

WEATHER:  Today’s humidity values increase some and as will a chance for severe weather, mainly in the afternoon and evening. East winds between 2-6 mph in the morning will shift to northeast by evening. Showers and storms later in the day may bring gusty and erratic winds with gusts up to 15 mph.  Isolated lightning is a possibility in the event of late-night thundershowers.  Relative humidity will range from 30 – 40%, with predicted high temperature of 84 degrees.

AIR OPERATIONS: Flying drones over the fire is prohibited. Air operations will stop if drones are detected in the area.

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 are controlled and pose no imminent threat to visitors.

Cooperating Agencies: Minnesota DNR, USFS, Tower Ambulance, Embarrass Volunteer Fire Department

West Zone Complex Fire Update

Monday, July 26, 2021

MNICS Team B, Incident Commander Tom Roach

Fire Information: 218-214-7844, 8 am – 7 pm

Email: 2021.westzone@firenet.gov

SUMMARY:  The West Zone of the Superior National Forest, consisting of the Laurentian, Kawishiwi and LaCroix Districts, continues to host steady fire activity under the current moderate-to-severe- drought conditions.  Despite the recent rain, precipitation amounts were not enough to significantly reduce the season-long moisture deficit.  The Eastern Area Type 2 Silver Team is in the process of demobilizing, and MNICS Type 3 Team Bravo assumed command of the West Zone Complex at 8:00pm Sunday, July 25.  Local Forest fire resources continue to respond to and suppress any new fire starts.

DELTA LAKE FIRE: The 62-acre Delta Lake fire is 92 percent contained.  Crews mopped up hot spots in the interior identified by aircraft. Gusty winds remain a concern, especially around snags, standing dead trees, which pose safety risks to firefighters.  Firefighters will continue to patrol and cool hot spots as they begin fire suppression repair, which involves removing fire equipment and maintenance to return sensitive areas to their pre-fire natural condition.

SUPERIOR WEST ZONE FIRES: Yesterday’s conditions led to increased activity on the Phantom Creek Fire (detected July 24) and Bear Creek Fire (detected July 22).  Bear Creek Fire is located north of Mud Creek Road and Phantom Creek is north of Wolf Lake Road on the east side of Lake Vermilion. Both fires are within the BWCA Wilderness.  The current size estimates of the Phantom Creek is 3.5 acres, with Bear Creek at 10 acres.  Three Fire Bosses and three helicopters performed water drops on the fires to reduce the rate of spread and minimize fire activity.  Yesterday, a new start occurred near Fourtown Lake within the BWCAW.  The fire was estimated to be 15 to 20 acres and will be continually patrolled and monitored.  The Sundial Fire is still showing smoke but does not appear to have grown. All current fires and any new starts today will be fully suppressed by available initial attack resources from the team and local area. 

CANADA FIRES:  The Quetico Provincial Park has several fires burning across the international border from the BWCAW.  Three of the fires have the potential to spread across the border into areas near Crooked and Iron Lakes.  Recent rain has kept any fire spread to a slow creep, but more growth is expected in the days ahead. Yesterday, fires across the region experienced increase fire activity due to gusty winds and dry weather. Crews continue work near Curtain Falls to develop contingency lines and identify critical resource needs.  Structure protection planning and mitigation efforts are nearing conclusion.  The Public Safety Division will continue sweeps within the closure area.

WEATHER:  Today’s humidity values increase some and as will a chance for severe weather, mainly in the afternoon and evening. East winds between 2-6 mph in the morning will shift to northeast by evening. Showers and storms later in the day may bring gusty and erratic winds with gusts up to 15 mph.  Isolated lightning is a possibility in the event of late-night thundershowers.  Relative humidity will range from 30 – 40%, with predicted high temperature of 84 degrees.

AIR OPERATIONS: Flying drones over the fire is prohibited. Air operations will stop if drones are detected in the area.

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 are controlled and pose no imminent threat to visitors.

West Zone Complex Fire Update

Monday, July 26, 2021

MNICS Team B, Incident Commander Tom Roach

Fire Information: 218-214-7844, 8 am – 7 pm

Email: 2021.westzone@firenet.gov

SUMMARY:  The West Zone of the Superior National Forest, consisting of the Laurentian, Kawishiwi and LaCroix Districts, continues to host steady fire activity under the current moderate-to-severe- drought conditions.  Despite the recent rain, precipitation amounts were not enough to significantly reduce the season-long moisture deficit.  The Eastern Area Type 2 Silver Team is in the process of demobilizing, and MNICS Type 3 Team Bravo assumed command of the West Zone Complex at 8:00pm Sunday, July 25.  Local Forest fire resources continue to respond to and suppress any new fire starts.

DELTA LAKE FIRE: The 62-acre Delta Lake fire is 92 percent contained.  Crews mopped up hot spots in the interior identified by aircraft. Gusty winds remain a concern, especially around snags, standing dead trees, which pose safety risks to firefighters.  Firefighters will continue to patrol and cool hot spots as they begin fire suppression repair, which involves removing fire equipment and maintenance to return sensitive areas to their pre-fire natural condition.

SUPERIOR WEST ZONE FIRES: Yesterday’s conditions led to increased activity on the Phantom Creek Fire (detected July 24) and Bear Creek Fire (detected July 22).  Bear Creek Fire is located north of Mud Creek Road and Phantom Creek is north of Wolf Lake Road on the east side of Lake Vermilion. Both fires are within the BWCA Wilderness.  The current size estimates of the Phantom Creek is 3.5 acres, with Bear Creek at 10 acres.  Three Fire Bosses and three helicopters performed water drops on the fires to reduce the rate of spread and minimize fire activity.  Yesterday, a new start occurred near Fourtown Lake within the BWCAW.  The fire was estimated to be 15 to 20 acres and will be continually patrolled and monitored.  The Sundial Fire is still showing smoke but does not appear to have grown. All current fires and any new starts today will be fully suppressed by available initial attack resources from the team and local area. 

CANADA FIRES:  The Quetico Provincial Park has several fires burning across the international border from the BWCAW.  Three of the fires have the potential to spread across the border into areas near Crooked and Iron Lakes.  Recent rain has kept any fire spread to a slow creep, but more growth is expected in the days ahead. Yesterday, fires across the region experienced increase fire activity due to gusty winds and dry weather. Crews continue work near Curtain Falls to develop contingency lines and identify critical resource needs.  Structure protection planning and mitigation efforts are nearing conclusion.  The Public Safety Division will continue sweeps within the closure area.

WEATHER:  Today’s humidity values will increase, as will a chance for severe weather, mainly in the afternoon and evening. East winds between 2-6 mph in the morning will shift to northeast by evening. Showers and storms later in the day may bring gusty and erratic winds with gusts up to 15 mph.  Isolated lightning is a possibility in the event of late-night thundershowers.  Relative humidity will range from 30 – 40%, with predicted high temperature of 84 degrees.

AIR OPERATIONS: Flying drones over the fire is prohibited. Air operations will stop if drones are detected in the area.

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://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/superior/alerts-notices.  The closure will be in place until fires in the region are controlled and pose no imminent threat to visitors.

Date: Tuesday, July 27, 2021 11:00 a.m.

East Zone Fire Information: 218-386-2750 or the Superior National Forest website:  www.fs.usda.gov/superior

West Zone Fire Information: 218-214-7844 or 2021.westzone@firenet.gov  or online at InciWeb: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/ or the Superior National Forest website: www.fs.usda.gov/superior