Delta Lake and "West Zone" Fires Fact Sheet July 23, 2021

RECORDED FIRE INFORMATION UPDATE FROM WEDNESDAY, JULY 21ST

AVAILABLE ON SUPERIOR NATIONAL FOREST FACEBOOK PAGE

SUMMARY: The Delta Lake Fire continues to be the only actively managed fire within the West Zone Complex. It is burning on state and National Forest System lands, adjacent to the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW), in dense blowdown. Local Forest fire resources remain available to respond and suppress any new fires.

YESTERDAY: Crews continued with mop-up operations until windy conditions created safety concerns and they were pulled from the line.  Rain throughout the area moderated fire behavior.  Minimal smoke was observed coming from interior smoldering fuels.  Structure protection crews continued to haul sprinkler, hose and pumps out of areas that are secured with contingency lines, and conduct assessments and interact with landowners to discuss ways to protect their property from wildfires.  Unfavorable conditions prevented the IR flight from occurring.  Forest resources responded to two new fires.  The first fire south of Ely was quickly suppressed, the other, a 2-acre fire northeast of Vermilion Lake received 22,000 gallons of water dropped from aircraft.  

TODAY:  The slow and steady mop up operations will continue.   Sprinkler systems, hose and pumps will continue to be removed or “back hauled” from areas secured by contingency lines.  Structure protection crews will continue with assessments.  An IR flight is scheduled for this morning.  This flight will map images of any significant sources of heat within the perimeter and aid with future mop up activity. The Sundial Fire will continue to be monitored by air.  Crews will hike into the new 2-acre fire to assess the fire from the ground and continue suppression activities.

WEATHER: Thunderstorms are possible throughout the day with possible strong and severe thunderstorms tonight. High near 82 degrees and minimum humidity of 58%. South winds are expected to be 5-10 mph with gusts up to 13 mph.  More gusty and erratic winds may be associated with the thunderstorms.

EVACUATIONS:  None.

UPDATE-CAMPFIRE RESTRICTIONS: Campfires are prohibited on the Superior National Forest and in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, which includes designated fire rings. For more information:   https://www.fs.usda.gov/main/superior/home .