InciWebWhelp Fire BWCAW Closure
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Publication Type: Closures
Due to the Whelp Fire, the Forest is closing portions of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness including Hub Lake, Mesaba Lake, Dent Lake, Chaser Lake, Bug Lake, Louse Lake, Louse River, Poe Lake, Mug Lake, Wine Lake, Frederick Lake, Hug Lake, Duck Lake, Zenith Lake, Trail Lake, Boze Lake, Frond Lake, Lujenida Lake and all other lands, waters, portages, and canoe routes within the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness as shown in exhibit A.
Articles released between August 16 Sept 5 2021
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Publication Type: News
See below, news articles released to the public between August 16 - September 5, 2021 for the Walkers Fire
Castle Fire Area Roads and Trails Closure
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Publication Type: Closures
Wilderness trailheads located in the Sequoia National Forest near the Walkers Fire remain closed under the Castle Fire Area, Roads and Trails Closure.
Incident Management Change
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Publication Type: Announcement
The Northern Rockies Incident Management Team 3 will return management of the John Ek and Whelp fires back to the Superior National Forest on Sunday at 6:00 am. Starting Sunday, please call the Gunflint Ranger District (218-387-1750) or the Tofte Ranger District (218-663-8060) for information.
John Ek Whelp Fires Update 9102021
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Publication Type: News
Public Information Line: 218-209-2633 | Email: 2021.johnek@firenet.gov
John Ek Fire and Whelp Fire Inciweb: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7806/
Greenwood Fire Information: 218-499-9441 | All other fires on the Superior National Forest: 218-214-7844
Facebook: Superior National Forest
JOHN EK FIRE (1,357 acres, 0% contained): The John Ek Fire experienced minimal growth this past week. Contingency lines on three sides of the fire are complete (on the north side from Gabimichigami Lake to Tuscarora Lake; on the east side from Little Saganaga Lake to Dent Lake; and on the west side from Little Saganaga Lake to Pan Lake.) Should the fire become active again, these contingency lines will be used as necessary, including conducting burnouts along them and/or turning on sprinkler systems adjacent to those lines. Fire managers will continue to monitor the fire from the air. Structure protection crews will finish Firewise work (assessing structures, removing debris and thinning fuels near homes) on the south side of the Gunflint Trail in the Seagull Lake area prior to turning the fires back to the Forest.
WHELP FIRE (50 acres, 0% contained): Contingency line on the south side of the fire from Phoebe Lake to Sawbill Campground is complete. Fire managers continue to use air resources to monitor the fire.
WEATHER and FIRE BEHAVIOR: It will stay warm and dry Friday, with a chance of isolated rain Friday night. Temperatures will be 71-76 degrees with northwest winds 6-10 mph, and gusts 20-25 mph. Minimum relative humidity will be 42-47%. The fire continues to creep and smolder in deep duff and heavy fuels.
SAFETY & EVACUATIONS: The evacuation status of the Upper Gunflint Trail, from the south side of Loon Lake west to the end of the Gunflint trail remains in “Ready” status. There are currently no mandatory evacuations in Cook County.
CLOSURES:
· Effective September 11, Superior National Forest lands and roads along the upper Gunflint Trail will reopen with the exception of Blankenburg Boat Launch, Iron Lake and Trails End campgrounds and all associated facilities. These campgrounds will remain closed to serve as basecamps for firefighters responding to the fires.
· The forest is downsizing the John Ek and Whelp Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness closure. Effective September 11, the following entry points will reopen: Seagull Lake Entry Point #54/#54A/L, Saganaga Lake Entry Point #55/#55A/J, Cross Bay Lake Entry Point #50, Kekekabic Trail Entry Point #56 and #74, Skipper and Portage Lakes Entry Point #49, Kawishiwi Lake Entry Point #37, Magnetic Lake EP #57, Larch Creek EP #80. Due to upper Gunflint Trail closure South Lake EP #58 is closed. Visitors with valid permits for Seagull Lake entry points will be able to access the lake via Blankenberg boat launch or Trails End campground. This is the only allowable public use of the boat launch and campground at this time. The following entry points will remain closed until further notice: Missing Link Lake EP #51 and Brant Lake Entry Point #52.
· Across Superior National Forest, several closure orders are in effect due to wildfires, to protect public health and safety. To see all the Forest closure orders and other alerts go to: https://www.fs.usda.gov/superior.
· A temporary flight restriction for aircraft is in place over the fire areas.
FIRE RESTRICTIONS: Fire restrictions are in place for the Superior National Forest, Minnesota Department of Natural Resources for areas within state jurisdiction, as well as Cook, Lake, and St. Louis counties. Campfires are now allowed in most Superior National Forest fee campgrounds. See the Superior National Forest Fire Restrictions Order for details. The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources recently adjusted their fire restrictions in multiple counties. See MN DNR Wildland Fire Information for more information.
John Ek Whelp Fires Update 992021
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Publication Type: News
Public Information Line: 218-209-2633 | Email: 2021.johnek@firenet.gov
John Ek Fire and Whelp Fire Inciweb: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7806/
Greenwood Fire Information: 218-499-9441 | All other fires on the Superior National Forest: 218-214-7844
Facebook: Superior National Forest
JOHN EK FIRE (1,357 acres, 0% contained): The John Ek Fire has experienced minimal growth the past week. Most work has been completed, including contingency lines on three sides of the fire (on the north side from Gabimichigami Lake to Tuscarora Lake; on the east side from Little Saganaga Lake to Dent Lake; and on the west side from Little Saganaga Lake to Pan Lake.) Should the fire become active again, these contingency lines will be used as necessary, including conducting burnouts along them and/or turning on sprinkler systems adjacent to those lines. Fire managers will continue to monitor the fire from the air. Structure protection crews will be finishing Firewise work (assessing structures, removing debris and thinning fuels near homes) on the south side of the Gunflint Trail in the Seagull Lake area prior to turning the fires back to the Forest.
WHELP FIRE (50 acres, 0% contained): Contingency line on the south side of the fire from Phoebe Lake to Sawbill Campground is complete. Fire managers continue to use air resources to monitor the fire.
WEATHER and FIRE BEHAVIOR: It will be warmer and drier over the fire areas Thursday and Friday, with the chance of isolated rain Friday night. Temperatures will be 65-70 degrees with northwest winds 4-7 mph, and gusts to 15 mph. Minimum relative humidity will be 49-54%. Low fire spread is expected, although it continues to creep and smolder in deep duff and heavy fuels.
SAFETY & EVACUATIONS: The evacuation status of the Upper Gunflint Trail, from the south side of Loon Lake west to the end of the Gunflint trail remains in “Ready” status. There are currently no mandatory evacuations in Cook County.
CLOSURES:
· Effective September 11, Superior National Forest forest lands and roads along the upper Gunflint Trail will reopen with the exception of Blankenburg Boat Launch, Iron Lake and Trails End campgrounds and all associated facilities. These campgrounds will remain closed to serve as basecamps for firefighters responding to the fires.
· The forest is downsizing the John Ek and Whelp Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness closure. Effective September 11, the following entry points will reopen: Saganaga Lake Entry Point #55/#55A/J, Cross Bay Lake Entry Point #50, Kekekabic Trail Entry Point #56 and #74, Skipper and Portage Lakes Entry Point #49, Kawishiwi Lake Entry Point #37, Magnetic Lake EP #57, Larch Creek EP #80. Due to upper Gunflint Trail closure South Lake EP #58 is closed. The following entry points will remain closed until further notice: Missing Link Lake EP #51, Seagull Lake Entry Point #54/#54A/L, Brant Lake Entry Point #52.
· Across Superior National Forest, several closure orders are in effect due to wildfires, to protect public health and safety. To see all the Forest closure orders and other alerts go to: https://www.fs.usda.gov/superior.
· A temporary flight restriction for aircraft is in place over the fire areas.
John Ek Whelp Fires Update 982021
Related Incident:
Publication Type: News
Public Information Line: 218-209-2633 | Email: 2021.johnek@firenet.gov
John Ek Fire and Whelp Fire Inciweb: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7806/
Greenwood Fire Information: 218-499-9441 | All other fires on the Superior National Forest: 218-214-7844
Facebook: Superior National Forest
WHELP FIRE (50 acres, 0% contained): The Whelp Fire is five miles northwest of Sawbill Lake and southeast of the John Ek Fire. Contingency line on the south side of the fire from Phoebe Lake to Sawbill Campground is complete. Fire managers continue to use air resources to monitor the fire.
WEATHER and FIRE BEHAVIOR: Cool, moist conditions and afternoon showers and thunderstorms are expected across the fire area Wednesday. Temperatures will be 61-66 with northwest winds around 11 mph, gusting to 20-25 mph. Minimum relative humidity will be 55-60%. Low fire spread is expected, although it continues to creep and smolder in deep duff and heavy fuels.
SAFETY & EVACUATIONS: The evacuation status of the Upper Gunflint Trail, from the south side of Loon Lake west to the end of the Gunflint trail remains in “Ready” status. There are currently no mandatory evacuations in Cook County.
CLOSURES:
· Superior National Forest lands and roads along the upper portion of the Gunflint Trail are closed due to fires in the vicinity. 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 campgrounds are in the closure area.
· Most of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness closure has been lifted, with the exception of the John Ek/Whelp fire closures and entry points associated with the Greenwood Fire and Gunflint Trail Closure. John Ek/Whelp closure area includes the following entry points: Seagull Lake Entry Point #54/#54A/L, Saganaga Lake Entry Point #55/#55A/J, Missing Link Lake EP #51, Brant Lake Entry Point #52, Cross Bay Lake Entry Point #50, Kekekabic Trail Entry Point #56 and #74, Skipper and Portage Lakes Entry Point #49, Kawishiwi Lake Entry Point #37, Magnetic Lake EP #57, Larch Creek EP #80. Due to upper Gunflint Trail closure South Lake EP #58 is closed. Due to the Greenwood Fire closure, the following are closed: Island River EP #34, Isabella Lake EP #35, Bog Lake EP #67, Little Isabella River #75, Snake River EP #84, Pow Wow Trail EP #86, and Hog Creek #36.
· Across Superior National Forest, several closure orders are in effect due to wildfires, to protect public health and safety. To see all the Forest closure orders and other alerts go to: https://www.fs.usda.gov/superior.
· A temporary flight restriction for aircraft is in place over the fire areas.
John Ek Whelp Fires Update 972021
Related Incident:
Publication Type: News
Public Information Line: 218-209-2633 | Email: 2021.johnek@firenet.gov
John Ek Fire and Whelp Fire Inciweb: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7806/
Greenwood Fire Information: 218-499-9441 | All other fires on the Superior National Forest: 218-214-7844
Facebook: Superior National Forest
WHELP FIRE (50 acres, 0% contained): The Whelp Fire is five miles northwest of Sawbill Lake and southeast of the John Ek Fire. On Sunday, crews completed contingency line along the south side of the fire from Phoebe Lake to Sawbill Campground. Fire managers continue to use air resources to monitor the fire.
WEATHER and FIRE BEHAVIOR: Showers and thunderstorms are expected across the fire area Tuesday, bringing breezy, cool and moist conditions. Temperatures will be 62-67 with northwest winds around 15 mph, gusting to 35 mph. Minimum relative humidity will be 57-62%. Low fire spread is expected, although it continues to creep and smolder in deep duff and heavy fuels.
SAFETY & EVACUATIONS: On September 2, the Cook County Sheriff’s Office changed the evacuation status of the Upper Gunflint Trail, from the south side of Loon Lake west to the end of the Gunflint trail, back to “Ready” status. There are currently no mandatory evacuations in Cook County. However, the public should continue to monitor the status of the fires as conditions can change quickly. 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.
CLOSURES:
· Superior National Forest lands and roads along the upper portion of the Gunflint Trail are closed due to fires in the vicinity. 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 campgrounds are in the closure area.
· Most of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness closure has been lifted, with the exception of the John Ek/Whelp fire closures and entry points associated with the Greenwood Fire and Gunflint Trail Closure. John Ek/Whelp closure area includes the following entry points: Seagull Lake Entry Point #54/#54A/L, Saganaga Lake Entry Point #55/#55A/J, Missing Link Lake EP #51, Brant Lake Entry Point #52, Cross Bay Lake Entry Point #50, Kekekabic Trail Entry Point #56 and #74, Skipper and Portage Lakes Entry Point #49, Kawishiwi Lake Entry Point #37, Magnetic Lake EP #57, Larch Creek EP #80. Due to upper Gunflint Trail closure South Lake EP #58 is closed. Due to the Greenwood Fire closure, the following are closed: Island River EP #34, Isabella Lake EP #35, Bog Lake EP #67, Little Isabella River #75, Snake River EP #84, Pow Wow Trail EP #86, and Hog Creek #36.
· Across Superior National Forest, several closure orders are in effect due to wildfires, to protect public health and safety. To see all the Forest closure orders and other alerts go to: https://www.fs.usda.gov/superior.
· A temporary flight restriction for aircraft is in place over the fire areas.
John Ek Whelp Fires Update 962021
Related Incident:
Publication Type: News
Public Information Line: 218-209-2633 | Email: 2021.johnek@firenet.gov
John Ek Fire and Whelp Fire Inciweb: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7806/
Greenwood Fire Information: 218-499-9441 | All other fires on the Superior National Forest: 218-214-7844
Facebook: Superior National Forest
WHELP FIRE (50 acres, 0% contained): The Whelp Fire is five miles northwest of Sawbill Lake and to the southeast of the John Ek Fire. On Sunday, crews completed contingency line along the south side of the fire from Phoebe Lake to Sawbill Campground and will begin working their way out Monday. Fire managers continue to use air resources to monitor the fire.
WEATHER and FIRE BEHAVIOR: It will be mostly sunny Monday, warming to around 72 degrees. Winds will be from the south at 6-8 mph with gusts to 18 mph. Minimum relative humidity will be around 42%. Precipitation over the fire area yesterday, combined with moderating conditions and lighter winds, should keep fire spread in check.
SAFETY & EVACUATIONS: On September 2, the Cook County Sheriff’s Office changed the evacuation status of the Upper Gunflint Trail, from the south side of Loon Lake west to the end of the Gunflint trail, back to “Ready” status. There are currently no mandatory evacuations in Cook County. However, the public should continue to monitor the status of the fires as conditions can change quickly. 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.
CLOSURES:
· Superior National Forest lands and roads along the upper portion of the Gunflint Trail are closed due to fires in the vicinity. 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 campgrounds are in the closure area.
· Most of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness closure has been lifted, with the exception of the John Ek/Whelp fire closures and entry points associated with the Greenwood Fire and Gunflint Trail Closure. John Ek/Whelp closure area includes the following entry points: Seagull Lake Entry Point #54/#54A/L, Saganaga Lake Entry Point #55/#55A/J, Missing Link Lake EP #51, Brant Lake Entry Point #52, Cross Bay Lake Entry Point #50, Kekekabic Trail Entry Point #56 and #74, Skipper and Portage Lakes Entry Point #49, Kawishiwi Lake Entry Point #37, Magnetic Lake EP #57, Larch Creek EP #80. Due to upper Gunflint Trail closure South Lake EP #58 is closed. Due to the Greenwood Fire closure, the following are closed: Island River EP #34, Isabella Lake EP #35, Bog Lake EP #67, Little Isabella River #75, Snake River EP #84, Pow Wow Trail EP #86, and Hog Creek #36.
· Across Superior National Forest, several closure orders are in effect due to wildfires, to protect public health and safety. To see all the Forest closure orders and other alerts go to: https://www.fs.usda.gov/superior.
· A temporary flight restriction for aircraft is in place over the fire areas.
John Ek Whelp Fires Update 952021
Related Incident:
Publication Type: News
Public Information Line: 218-209-2633 | Email: 2021.johnek@firenet.gov
John Ek Fire and Whelp Fire Inciweb: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7806/
Greenwood Fire Information: 218-499-9441 | All other fires on the Superior National Forest: 218-214-7844
Facebook: Superior National Forest
JOHN EK FIRE (1,350 acres, 0% contained): Crews have made substantial progress on contingency lines the last few days, widening and clearing portages and setting up sprinkler systems. Yesterday, firefighters completed the contingency line on the north side of the fire from Ogishkemuncie Lake to Tuscarora Lake. Crews working on the west side of the fire are over halfway done and have made it to Pan Lake, working from north to south. On the east side, crews have made it south to Dent Lake and are over halfway done. Structure protection crews continue doing FireSafe work on the south side of the Gunflint Trail from Poplar Lake to Round Lake and Tuscarora Lodge.
WHELP FIRE (50 acres, 0% contained): The Whelp Fire is five miles northwest of Sawbill Lake. On Saturday, crews constructed contingency line along the south side of the fire from Phoebe Lake to Grace Lake and will continue to Beth Lake Sunday. The firefighters working west from the Sawbill Campground worked towards Beth Lake Saturday. Fire managers continue to use air resources to monitor the fire.
WEATHER and FIRE BEHAVIOR: Clouds will start to decrease today with temperatures reaching the low 70s. Winds will be west to northwest at 8-12 mph with gusts to 25 mph. Minimum relative humidity will range from 45 to 50%. With stronger, gusty winds, some creeping and possibly surface spread in exposed dry marsh grasses is possible, but no significant fire movement is anticipated.
SAFETY & EVACUATIONS: On September 2, the Cook County Sheriff’s Office changed the evacuation status of the Upper Gunflint Trail, from the south side of Loon Lake west to the end of the Gunflint trail, back to “Ready” status. There are currently no mandatory evacuations in Cook County. However, the public should continue to monitor the status of the fires as conditions can change quickly. 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.
CLOSURES:
Superior National Forest lands and roads along the upper portion of the Gunflint Trail are closed due to fires in the vicinity. 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 campgrounds are in the closure area.
Most of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness closure has been lifted, with the exception of the John Ek/Whelp fire closures and entry points associated with the Greenwood Fire and Gunflint Trail Closure. John Ek/Whelp closure area includes the following entry points: Seagull Lake Entry Point #54/#54A/L, Saganaga Lake Entry Point #55/#55A/J, Missing Link Lake EP #51, Brant Lake Entry Point #52, Cross Bay Lake Entry Point #50, Kekekabic Trail Entry Point #56 and #74, Skipper and Portage Lakes Entry Point #49, Kawishiwi Lake Entry Point #37, Magnetic Lake EP #57, Larch Creek EP #80. Due to upper Gunflint Trail closure South Lake EP #58 is closed. Due to the Greenwood Fire closure, the following are closed: Island River EP #34, Isabella Lake EP #35, Bog Lake EP #67, Little Isabella River #75, Snake River EP #84, Pow Wow Trail EP #86, and Hog Creek #36.
Across Superior National Forest, several closure orders are in effect due to wildfires, to protect public health and safety. To see all the Forest closure orders and other alerts go to: https://www.fs.usda.gov/superior.
A temporary flight restriction for aircraft is in place over the fire areas.
FIRE RESTRICTIONS: Fire restrictions are in place for the Superior National Forest, Minnesota Department of Natural Resources for areas within state jurisdiction, Cook and Lake counties, and 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.