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

ANNOUNCEMENT: Please join fire managers for a public meeting Saturday, September 4, 2021, at 3:00 p.m. at the Gunflint Trail Fire Department Hall #1 (Schaap Center), 7501 Gunflint Trail. This meeting is specific to the John Ek and Whelp Fires. Due to unreliable internet, we will record the meeting and post to Facebook thereafter; the meeting will not be on Facebook Live. All meeting attendees are asked to adhere to current CDC guidelines regarding the use of face masks, social distancing, and handwashing.

JOHN EK FIRE (1,350 acres, 0% contained): Along the east and west sides of the fire, crews were flown in to improve portages and set up sprinkler systems. Firefighters will be widening portages to serve as a contingency line on the north side of the fire from Ogishkemuncie Lake to Tuscarora Lake. Structure protection crews are working on the south side of 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. Today, crews will begin constructing contingency line on 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:  A storm system and cold front continues to move through the Great Lakes region today with a chance of rain for the fire area. Winds today will be out of the southeast at 6-10 mph with 15-20 mph gusts. Minimum relative humidity will range from 58 to 63%. Clouds and scattered showers will keep temperatures cooler today and will continue to help moderate fire behavior

SAFETY & EVACUATIONS:  As of 8:00 a.m. 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 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 and South Lake EP #58 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 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. 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.

   

  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 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.

Effective August 25, 2021: 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. This closure includes all forest lands/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. Reservations have been refunded for the next seven days, through August 31. Private lands, roads and county roads remain open for use in the impacted area. See closure order and map for details.

JOHN EK FIRE (1,350 acres, 0% contained): Crews were flown into the fire to improve portages and set up sprinkler systems on the east and west sides of the fire. Firefighters will be widening portages to serve as a contingency line on the north side of the fire from Ogishkemuncie Lake to Tuscarora Lake. A structure protection group is working on the south side of 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. Fire managers continue to use air resources to monitor the fire and are assessing contingency line opportunities on the south side of the fire. They are also looking for opportunities to go direct.

WEATHER and FIRE BEHAVIOR:  An incoming weather disturbance will bring abundant cloud cover to the region today, along with increasing chances for measurable rainfall tonight through Friday morning. Winds today will increase out of the southeast at 6-9 mph with 14-19 mph gusts. Minimum relative humidity will range from the mid-40’s to mid-50’s, with higher humidity’s expected for Friday. Clouds and scattered showers will keep temperatures cooler the next two days.

SAFETY & EVACUATIONS:  As of 8:00 a.m. on September 2, the Cook County Sheriff’s Office has 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 no mandatory evacuations in Cook County currently. 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 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 campgrounds are in the closure area.

• Most of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness closure has been lifted, with 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, Kekakbic 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, 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.

   

  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.

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.

A public meeting will be held on Monday, August 30, at 6pm, at the Schaap Community Center, 7401 Gunflint Trail Grand Marais, MN 55604.

YESTERDAY: Light rain on the Gunflint Trail continued to hold the two fires in place. The John Ek Fire is estimated to be around 1,563 acres. Firefighters continued to record GPS points to establish helispots, spike camps, and drop points for future fire operations.  The Whelp Fire remains at an estimated 50 acres. Firefighters constructed fire line and installed hose lays. 

TODAY: Weather permitting, the 4-person reconnaissance crew on the John Ek fire will be flown out. 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. On the Whelp Fire, weather permitting, attempts will be made to insert seventeen firefighters and equipment.  The thirteen firefighters on the Whelp Fire will begin mop up operations along the fire line. The infrastructure group continues to complete Firewise defensible space projects along the Gunflint Trail.  

WEATHER and FIRE BEHAVIOR: Morning showers are expected with a chance of scattered showers throughout the day. Gusty winds are possible. A front moving through the region will bring west-northwest winds from 15 to 30 mph. In the afternoon, humidity will begin to drop as dry air is pushed east across the northern part of the state.

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.

• 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: Rain fell on parts of Northern Minnesota yesterday.  Precipitation did not reach the forest floor in many locations.  The John Ek Fire is estimated to be around 1,563 acres and and has seen little growth due to recent weather.  The reconnaissance crew was inserted into the wilderness to begin planning for helispots, spike camps, and drop points for equipment.  The Whelp Fire remains at an estimated 50 acres.  Thirteen firefighters began to construct line and install hose lines.  Due to unfavorable weather yesterday, additional firefighters were not inserted via aircraft.

Today: The on the ground reconnaissance mission will be completed on the John Ek Fire.  Firefighters will share GPS points with fire managers to begin planning for firefighter insertion and suppression tactics.  On the Whelp Fire, firefighters will construct line and string out hose lines.  If a small weather window allows, additional firefighters will be inserted by aircraft.  Both fires will be monitored by aircraft and water drops will occur as necessary. The infrastructure group continues to complete Firewise defensible space projects along the Gunflint Trail.  

WEATHER/FIRE BEHAVIOR: Today is forecasted to be mostly cloudy with a chance of showers this afternoon.  Fire behavior is expected to remain minimal due to higher humidity and light precipitation over the last few days.  Gusty, westerly winds are predicted to develop late Sunday, which will bring in dry air and low humidity levels. 

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.

• 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.