THREE PHASES OF WILDFIRE RECOVERY
 

There are three phases of recovery following wildfires on federal lands:

- Fire Suppression Repair

- Emergency Stabilization-Burned Area Emergency Response (BAER)

- Long-Term Recovery and Restoration

o   Fire Suppression Repair is a series of immediate post-fire actions taken to repair damages and minimize potential soil erosion and impacts resulting from fire suppression activities and usually begins before the fire is contained, and before the demobilization of an Incident Management Team. This work repairs the hand and dozer fire lines, roads, trails, staging areas, safety zones, and drop points used during fire suppression efforts.

o   Emergency Stabilization-Burned Area Emergency Response (BAER) is a rapid assessment of burned watersheds by a BAER team to identify imminent post-wildfire threats to human life and safety, property, and critical natural or cultural resources on National Forest System lands and take immediate actions to implement emergency stabilization measures before the first post-fire damaging events. Fires result in loss of vegetation, exposure of soil to erosion, and increased water runoff that may lead to flooding, increased sediment, debris flows, and damage to critical natural and cultural resources. BAER actions such as: mulching, seeding, installation of erosion and water run-off control structures, temporary barriers to protect recovering areas, and installation of warning signs may be implemented. BAER work may also replace safety related facilities; remove safety hazards; prevent permanent loss of habitat for threatened and endangered species; prevent the spread of noxious weeds, and protect critical cultural resources.

o   Long-Term Recovery and Restoration utilizes non-emergency actions to improve fire-damaged lands that are unlikely to recover naturally and to repair or replace facilities damaged by the fire that are not critical to life and safety. This phase may include restoring burned habitat, reforestation, other planting or seeding, monitoring fire effects, replacing burned fences, interpreting cultural sites, treating noxious weed infestations, and installing interpretive signs.

Mannix Park Fire Update- DNRC Southwestern Land Office & BLM Western Montana OfficeGarrison, MT, August 23, 2021- Due to a decrease in fire activity and recent weather patterns, this is the final daily update for the Mannix Park Fire unless conditions and fire activity change. Firefighting resources will still be responding to the incident. 
 Hand crews will continue gridding along the fire perimeter to monitor for new hot spots, remove burning vegetation near the control line and move within control lines to remove hot spots. Crews will also continue to remove snags to improve firefighter safety. The fire is currently estimated at 35 acres with 80% containment. The cause of the fire is lightning.
 As of today, there are 49 firefighting personnel assigned to the fire with 4 engines. Firefighter and public safety is our number one priority. Additional priorities include protecting structures, private land, and nearby communities. Firefighter access to the fire is difficult due to its remote location and lack of road access. The fire’s steep terrain and the presence of snags present a challenge to firefighting resources.
 There are no road closures at this time and no evacuation warnings or orders issued. 
 The Mannix Park Fire was detected around 3:00PM on August 16, 2021. The fire is burning 11 miles north of Garrison, MT in Powell County, primarily on Bureau of Land Management (BLM) land and under Montana Department of Natural Resources & Conservation (DNRC) direct fire protection. The Western Montana All Hazards Type 3 Incident Management Team is managing the fire.
 For more information, please visit inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7809/ or call Public Information Officer Max Rebholz at 406-285-8684.Don’t be fooled by the cooler weather, it’s still fire season! Powell County is in Stage 2 firerestrictions. Visit www.MTFireInfo.org for restrictions information across Montana. ###

Mannix Park Fire Update- DNRC Southwest Land Office & BLM Western Montana Office

Garrison, MT, August 19th, 2021- The Mannix Park Fire was detected around 3:00PM on August 16th, 2021. The fire is burning 11 miles north of Garrison, MT within Powell County. After more accurate mapping of the fire perimeter, the fire acreage has been updated to 32 acres with 0% containment. The fire is primarily burning on Bureau of Land Management lands. The cause of the fire is unknown.

The fire is being managed under a full suppression strategy, utilizing direct attack where safe to do so with the use of heavy equipment. Today, hand crews and heavy equipment will primarily be working on the north flank of the fire to improve containment lines. The fire is burning in heavy dead and down material and mixed conifer forests consisting of Lodgepole pine, Grand fir, Subalpine fir and Douglas fir.

There are 38 firefighting personnel assigned to the fire with 1 dozer and 6 engines.  Firefighter and public safety is our number one priority. Additional priorities include protecting structures, private land and nearby communities. Firefighter access to the fire is difficult due to its remote location and lack of road access. The fire’s steep terrain and the presence of snags present a challenge to firefighting resources.

The fire received some rain yesterday which decreased fire activity and resulted in creeping and smoldering fire behavior. Cooler temperatures, higher relative humidity, and anticipated precipitation should continue to result in similar fire behavior over the next 24 hours.

The Western Montana All Hazards Type 3 Incident Management Team assumed command of the fire on August 18th, 2021.

There are no road closures at this time and no evacuation warnings or orders issued.

For more information, please visit inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7809/ or call Public Information Officer Max Rebholz at 406-880-8090.

Mannix Park Fire Update- DNRC Southwest Land Office & BLM Western Montana Office

Garrison, MT, August 18th, 2021- The Mannix Park Fire was detected around 3:00PM on August 16th, 2021. The fire is burning 11 miles north of Garrison, MT near the Avon Valley in Powell County. The approximate fire acreage is 50 acres with 0% containment.

The Western Montana All Hazards Type 3 Incident Management Team assumed command of the fire on August 18th, 2021. The fire is located primarily on Bureau of Land Management and private lands. The cause of the fire is unknown.

The fire is burning in heavy dead and down material, mixed conifer forests, and grazing lands. Firefighter access to the fire is difficult due to its remote location and lack of roads. There are five structures threatened currently; however, no evacuation warnings have been issued and there are no road closures at this time. Smokejumpers, aerial retardant drops and DNRC resources provided initial attack on the fire.

The fire is being managed under a full suppression strategy, utilizing direct attack where safe to do so with the use of heavy equipment. There are 38 firefighting personnel assigned to the fire with 1 dozer and 6 engines. Crews will continue to work establishing containment line along the right and left flanks of the fire to prevent fire spread onto private land.

Cooler temperatures, higher relative humidity, and anticipated precipitation should decrease fire behavior over the next 24 hours. However, higher winds could increase fire behavior.

For more information, please visit inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7809/ or call Public Information Officer Max Rebholz at 406-880-8090.

The Superior National Forest is reopening some areas of the Forest, including the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, given recent rains, cooling temperatures and progress made on active fire. However, certain closures will remain in place where active fires remain on the landscape. 

The Forest is lifting the full closure of the BWCAW, the Crooked Lake closure near the fires in Canada. The Forest is slightly modifying closure maps for the Greenwood Fire, and the John Ek and Whelp Fires. The closure of Forest Service land at the Upper Gunflint Trail remains in place. 

A new closure area has been drawn for the John Ek and Whelp Fires: Seagull Lake EP #54/#54A/L, Saganaga Lake EP #55/#55A/J, Missing Link Lake EP #51, Brant Lake EP #52, Cross Bay Lake EP #50, Kekakbic Trail EP #56, Skipper and Portage Lakes EP #49, Kawishiwi Lake EP #37, Hog Creek EP #36. 

Forest lands and roads along the upper Gunflint Trail remain closed. However, the Gunflint Trail and private land and resorts are open. Trails End and Iron Lake campgrounds remain closed. 

For full closure information, please visit:  https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/superior/alerts-notices  

JOHN EK AND WHELP FIRE UPDATE – SEPTEMBER 1, 2021

YESTERDAY: Crews were flown into the John Ek fire to set up spike camps and improve portages. Acreage on the John Ek Fire was remapped and the size is estimated at 1,350 acres. The Whelp Fire remains at an estimated 50 acres.

TODAY: On the John Ek Fire, crews will continue work on improving portages bordering the fire to identify areas that for safe access in and out, hose lays, and installation sites for sprinkler systems. Fireline locations are being identified at a safe distance from the fire that will allow crews to begin indirect fire suppression in the future.  The Whelp Fire will continue to use air resources today to monitor and suppress any fire activity.

WEATHER and FIRE BEHAVIOR:  Dry weather and seasonal temperatures remain with temperatures from 69-74. Mostly sunny today with clouds in the afternoon. Winds from the southeast at 5-8 mph with peak gusts between 10 and 15 mph. Drought-conditioned fuels are holding fire but most are not exposed to wind or are near fuels conducive for spread. Very low probability for spotting today.

SUMMARY: The John Ek and Whelp Fires were caused by lightning and are located within the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. The John Ek Fire is 2.5 miles south of Little Saganaga Lake and extends from John Ek Lake to the SE corner of Elton Lake. The Whelp Fire is five miles northwest of Sawbill Lake.

SAFETY & EVACUATIONS:  The Upper Gunflint Trail, from the south side of Loon Lake west to the end of the Gunflint trail, remains in pre-evacuation status.  There are no mandatory evacuations in Cook County at this time. Homeowners in Cook County can sign up for the emergency alert system CodeRED at https://www.co.cook.mn.us/index.php/2016-04-14-15-58-03. The Cook County Sheriff’s Office recommends that residents and visitors be in “ready” mode in case of eventual evacuation.

CLOSURES:

• Superior National Forest lands and roads along the upper portion of the Gunflint Trail are closed due to fires in the vicinity and limited firefighting resources. The closure includes all forest lands and roads along Cook County 12/Gunflint Trail beginning at the Cook County 92 intersection to the end of the Gunflint Trail. Trails End and Iron Lake campground are in the closure area. This closure is consistent with Cook County pre-evacuation areas.

• Across Superior National Forest, there are several closure orders in place to protect public health and safety due to wildfires.  To see the full Forest order and other alerts go to: https://www.fs.usda.gov/superior.

• A temporary flight restriction for aircraft is in place over the fire areas.

AIR QUALITY: For air quality alerts, see:  Air Quality Index webpage.

FIRE RESTRICTIONS: Fire restrictions are in place for the Superior National Forest and Minnesota Department of Natural Resources for areas within state jurisdiction Cook and Lake Counties and northern St. Louis County.  See Superior National Forest  Fire Restrictions Order and our Campfire Restrictions FAQ for more information.  Minnesota Department of Natural Resources: MN DNR Wildland Fire Information.

YESTERDAY: Recent rain along the Gunflint Trail moderated fire activity on the John Ek and Whelp fires. The John Ek Fire was remapped using infrared data and the size was reduced to 1,339 acres. The Whelp Fire remains at an estimated 50 acres. Last night, a community meeting was held at the Schaap Community Center and was well-attended by 100 people.

TODAY for the John Ek: Crews will continue work on improving portages to identify areas that will allow for safe access in and out, hose lays, and installation sites for sprinkler systems. Fireline locations are being identified at a safe distance from the fire that will allow crews to begin indirect fire suppression in the future. On the Whelp Fire: Air resources will be used today to monitor and suppress any fire activity.

WEATHER and FIRE BEHAVIOR:  Dry weather and seasonal temperatures return today with temperatures in the low 70’s with sunny skies. Winds will be easterly at 4-6 mph in the morning, becoming southeast at 6-9 mph in the afternoon. As fuels dry out over the next few days, areas holding heat may rekindle. 

SUMMARY: The John Ek and Whelp Fires were caused by lightning and are located within the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. The John Ek Fire is 2.5 miles south of Little Saganaga Lake and extends from John Ek Lake to the SE corner of Elton Lake. The Whelp Fire is five miles northwest of Sawbill Lake.

SAFETY & EVACUATIONS:  The Upper Gunflint Trail, from the south side of Loon Lake west to the end of the Gunflint trail, remains in pre-evacuation status.  There are no mandatory evacuations in Cook County at this time. Homeowners in Cook County can sign up for the emergency alert system CodeRED at https://www.co.cook.mn.us/index.php/2016-04-14-15-58-03. The Cook County Sheriff’s Office recommends that residents and visitors be in “ready” mode in case of eventual evacuation.

CLOSURES:

• Superior National Forest lands and roads along the upper portion of the Gunflint Trail are closed due to fires in the vicinity and limited firefighting resources. The closure includes all forest lands and roads along Cook County 12/Gunflint Trail beginning at the Cook County 92 intersection to the end of the Gunflint Trail. Trails End and Iron Lake campground are in the closure area. This closure is consistent with Cook County pre-evacuation areas.

• Across Superior National Forest, there are several closure orders in place to protect public health and safety due to wildfires.  To see the full Forest order and other alerts go to: https://www.fs.usda.gov/superior.

• A temporary flight restriction for aircraft is in place over the fire areas.

AIR QUALITY: For air quality alerts, see:  Air Quality Index webpage.

FIRE RESTRICTIONS: Fire restrictions are in place for the Superior National Forest and Minnesota Department of Natural Resources for areas within state jurisdiction Cook and Lake Counties and northern St. Louis County.  See Superior National Forest  Fire Restrictions Order and our Campfire Restrictions FAQ for more information.  Minnesota Department of Natural Resources: MN DNR Wildland Fire Information.

A public meeting will be held at 6:00 pm today at the Schaap Community Center, 7401 Gunflint Trail Grand Marais, MN 55604.

YESTERDAY: Rain along the Gunflint Trail suppressed fire activity on John Ek and Whelp and acreage remains the same. The John Ek Fire is estimated to be around 1,563 acres. Firefighters that conducted reconnaissance on the fire were flown out. The Whelp Fire remains at an estimated 50 acres. Firefighters constructed fire line and installed hose lays. Additional resources were not able to reach the fire due to weather-related flight restrictions.

TODAY: Reconnaissance on portages around the John Ek Fire will be conducted to identify areas that will allow for safe access in and out, hose lays, and installation sites for sprinkler systems. Plans are being developed for fire line locations that will be a safe distance from the fire to allow for an indirect fire suppression operation in the future. On the Whelp Fire, additional firefighters and equipment will be inserted today. They will continue to build fire line around the perimeter and mop up hot spots. The infrastructure group continues to complete Firewise defensible space projects along the Gunflint Trail.  

WEATHER and FIRE BEHAVIOR:  High pressure will build into the area today resulting in clearing skies, seasonal temperatures and NW winds 5- 8 mph with gusts up to 15 mph. Humidity will remain in the 47-52% range. Yesterday’s rain raised fuel moistures but the drought-conditioned fuels are capable of holding fire for a long time. As conditions dry out over the next few days, fire activity in these areas may return.

SUMMARY: The John Ek and Whelp Fires were caused by lightning and are located within the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. The John Ek Fire is 2.5 miles south of Little Saganaga Lake and extends from John Ek Lake to the SE corner of Elton Lake. The Whelp fire is five miles northwest of Sawbill Lake.

SAFETY & EVACUATIONS:  The Upper Gunflint Trail (south side of Loon Lake west to the end of the Gunflint trail) remains in pre-evacuation status.  There are no mandatory evacuations in Cook County at this time. Homeowners in Cook County can sign up for the emergency alert system CodeRED at https://www.co.cook.mn.us/index.php/2016-04-14-15-58-03. The Cook County Sheriff’s Office recommends that residents and visitors be in “ready” mode in case of eventual evacuation.

CLOSURES:

• Superior National Forest lands and roads along the upper portion of the Gunflint Trail are closed due to fires in the vicinity and limited firefighting resources. The closure includes all forest lands and roads along Cook County 12/Gunflint Trail beginning at the Cook County 92 intersection to the end of the Gunflint Trail. Trails End and Iron Lake campground are in the closure area. This closure is consistent with Cook County pre-evacuation areas.

• Across Superior National Forest, there are several closure orders in place to protect public health and safety due to wildfires.  To see the full Forest order and other alerts go to: https://www.fs.usda.gov/superior.

• A temporary flight restriction for aircraft is in place over the fire areas.

AIR QUALITY: For air quality alerts, see:  Air Quality Index webpage.

FIRE RESTRICTIONS: Fire restrictions are in place for the Superior National Forest and Minnesota Department of Natural Resources for areas within state jurisdiction Cook and Lake Counties and northern St. Louis County.  See Superior National Forest  Fire Restrictions Order and our Campfire Restrictions FAQ for more information.  Minnesota Department of Natural Resources: MN DNR Wildland Fire Information.