NOTICE: Today will be a transition day between the Eastern Area Gold Team and the Northern Rockies Team 3. Tomorrow the Northern Rockies Team 3 will take control of the fire.

YESTERDAY: Moderate weather has helped firefighters make good progress with finding hot spots and putting out smokes near the containment line. Heavy equipment operators continued improvements of the Stony River Grade Road, serving as the primary eastern containment line of the fire. Shaded fuel break construction continued along Highway 1. The fire acreage for the Greenwood Fire is 26,028 acres with 37 percent containment. The John Ek and Whelp Fires, in the Boundary Water Canoe Area Wilderness, are 1,350 acres and 50 acres, respectively, with no containment.

TODAY AND TONIGHT: Today’s priorities are: continue mop-up, improve and hold containment lines, and remove hazardous and fallen trees along roads. A defensive firing operation is prepared in three unburned areas within the fire perimeter along on Hwy 2, Hwy 1, and along the Stony River Grade Road, if the weather and vegetation conditions are suitable. Local loggers continue working on the shaded fuel break to improve containment lines along Hwy 1 and the Stony River Grade Road. A total of 476 fire personnel are on the Greenwood fire.

WEATHER/FIRE BEHAVIOR: Low winds and higher humidity will continue throughout the morning. Sunny skies, highs in the upper 60’s, and winds from the E/SE will result in favorable weather for work on the fire-fighting operation. Later in the week, a change in forecast shows little chance of rain with highs in the upper sixties and lows in the upper forties each day.

SUMMARY: Started by lightning, the Greenwood Fire was detected on August 15, 2021 around 3 p.m. on the Laurentian Ranger District. Generally, the fire is between Greenwood Lake and the intersections of Highways 1 and 2. The communities of Ely, Babbitt, Finland, Toimi-Brimson, and areas along the North Shore are not threatened by this fire. The objective of fire management on the Greenwood Fire is full suppression using all available resources. The fire continues to threaten cabins, homes, and recreational sites. Fourteen primary structures and 57 outbuildings were destroyed on August 23.

SAFETY & EVACUATIONS: As of August 28, evacuation orders in the Slate Lake area have been lifted. This includes the area from Chub Lake to the New Tomahawk Road. Properties in this area can be accessed from the New Tomahawk Road, coming from Babbitt, or Hwy 1 approaching from Ely. The Slate Lake Area is not accessible from Hwy 2. Evacuation orders are still in effect for McDougal Lake, the Highway 2 corridor, and the Mitawan Lake Road area. For information about entering your property, call Lake County Dispatch, 218-510-0640. You can also sign up for emergency text alerts and calls from Lake County at: https://www.co.lake.mn.us/emergency-management/.

CLOSURES:

·         Hwy 2 is closed from Forest Hwy 11 to Hwy 1. Hwy 1 is closed from New Tomahawk Rd to Lankinen Rd.

·         A Forest Service closure order is in place to protect public health and safety due to the Greenwood Fire. It extends across areas within the Kawishiwi, Laurentian, and Tofte Ranger Districts. 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 area.

AIR QUALITY: Minnesota smoke outlook: https://fires.airfire.org/outlooks/Minnesota. Air quality alerts: Air Quality Index webpage.

FIRE RESTRICTIONS: Fire restrictions are being evaluated daily and are currently 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. Superior National Forest: Fire Restrictions Order and our Campfire Restrictions See our FAQ for more information. Minnesota Department of Natural Resources: MN DNR Wildland Fire Information.

NOTICE: A Community Meeting is planned for TONIGHT at 6:00 p.m. at the Wolf Ridge Environmental Learning Center in Finland, MN.  This meeting will also be live-streamed on the Superior NF Facebook page and will be recorded for later viewing.

YESTERDAY:  Moderate weather with light winds from the northwest continued to help crews improve the fireline on the west and north sides of the fire.  With better mapping, fire acreage increased slightly from 25,991 acres to 26,000 acres.  Containment of the fire has increased from 14 to 37 percent. Heavy equipment operators continued improvements of the Stony River Grade Road, serving as the primary eastern containment line of the fire.  Shaded fuel break work continued along Highway 1.  Crews have made substantial progress achieving nearly a mile and a half of the fuel break per day.  Structure protection crews assessed additional residences near Isabella.

TODAY AND TONIGHT:  Today’s priorities are: continue mop-up, improve and hold containment lines, and remove hazardous and fallen trees along roads.  Local loggers continue working on shaded fuel breaks to improve containment lines along Hwy 1 and the Stony River Grade Road.  Weather and fuel conditions will be assessed with a test burn for a potential defensive firing operation to secure a 100-200 foot buffer zone along Highway 1 towards Isabella.  A total of 505 personnel are now assigned to the fire.

WEATHER/FIRE BEHAVIOR:  East to northeast winds and moderate humidity will continue throughout the morning.  Towards afternoon, winds adjust from northeast to east, then southeast, with mostly sunny skies and highs in the upper 60’s. Later in the week on Thursday, ]a quarter to three-quarters of an inch of rain is predicted in the Arrowhead.  These rains will moderate fire behavior, easing drought conditions, although not fully relieving it.

SUMMARY:  Started by lightning, the Greenwood Fire was detected on August 15, 2021 around 3 p.m. on the Laurentian Ranger District.  Generally, the fire is between Greenwood Lake and the intersections of Highways 1 and 2.  The communities of Ely, Babbitt, Finland, Toimi-Brimson, and areas along the North Shore are not threatened by this fire.  The objective of fire management on the Greenwood Fire is full suppression using all available resources.  The fire continues to threaten cabins, homes, and recreational sites.  Fourteen primary structures and 57 outbuildings were lost on August 23. 

SAFETY & EVACUATIONS:  As of August 28, evacuation orders in the Slate Lake area have been lifted.  This includes the area from Chub Lake to the New Tomahawk Road.  Properties in this area can be accessed from the New Tomahawk Road, coming from Babbitt, or Hwy 1 approaching from Ely.  The Slate Lake Area is not accessible from Hwy 2.  Evacuation orders are still in effect for McDougal Lake, the Highway 2 corridor, and the Mitawan Lake Road area.  For information about entering your property, call Lake County Dispatch, 218-510-0640.  You can also sign up for emergency text alerts and calls from Lake County at: https://www.co.lake.mn.us/emergency-management/.

CLOSURES:

·         Hwy 2 is closed from Forest Hwy 11 to Hwy 1. Hwy 1 is closed from New Tomahawk Rd to Lankinen Rd.  

·         A Forest Service closure order is in place to protect public health and safety due to the Greenwood Fire.  It extends across areas within the Kawishiwi, Laurentian, and Tofte Ranger Districts.  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 area.

AIR QUALITY: Air quality alerts can be found at:  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.  Superior National Forest:  Fire Restrictions Order and our Campfire Restrictions See our FAQ for more information.  Minnesota Department of Natural Resources: MN DNR Wildland Fire Information.  

NOTICE: A Community Meeting is planned for 6:00 p.m. on Tuesday, August 31, 2021 at the Wolf Ridge Environmental Learning Center in Finland, MN.  This meeting will also be live-streamed on the Superior NF Facebook page.

 

YESTERDAY:  Significant rainfall of 1.5 to 2 inches over the fire area Friday and Saturday helped crews improve fireline and “mop up”,  extinguishing hot embers along the fire’s edge.  Heavy equipment operators continued improvements of the Stony River Grade Road, serving as the primary eastern containment line of the fire.  Shaded fuel break construction continued along Highway 1.  Structure protection crews assessed additional residences near Isabella.  The fire acreage has remained the same for three days at 25,991 acres and 14% containment.  The John Ek and Whelp Fires, in the BWCA Wilderness, remain at 1,563 acres and 50 acres, respectively, with no containment.

TODAY AND TONIGHT:  Today’s priorities are: continue mop-up, improve and hold containment lines, and remove hazardous and  fallen trees along roads.  Local loggers continue working on the shaded fuel break to improve containment lines along Hwy 1 and the Stony River Grade Road.  Weather and fuel conditions will be assessed with a test burn for a potential defensive firing operation along an unburned area in the fire perimeter on Hwy. 2 and along the Stony River Grade Road.  A total of 468 personnel are helping with the fire.

WEATHER/FIRE BEHAVIOR:  Low winds and higher humidity will continue throughout the morning.  Partly cloudy skies, highs in the upper 60’s, and winds from the NW will result in favorable weather for work on the fire. Later in the week, a good chance of rain is predicted.  While these rains are extremely encouraging, the Arrowhead region continues long-term drought conditions. 

SUMMARY:  Started by lightning, the Greenwood Fire was detected on August 15, 2021 around 3 p.m. on the Laurentian Ranger District.  Generally, the fire is between Greenwood Lake and the intersections of Highways 1 and 2.  The communities of Ely, Babbitt, Finland, Toimi-Brimson, and areas along the North Shore are not threatened by this fire.  The objective of fire management on the Greenwood Fire is full suppression using all available resources.  The fire continues to threaten cabins, homes, and recreational sites.  Fourteen primary structures and 57 outbuildings were destroyed on August 23. 

SAFETY & EVACUATIONS:  As of August 28, evacuation orders in the Slate Lake area have been lifted.  This includes the area from Chub Lake to the New Tomahawk Road.  Properties in this area can be accessed from the New Tomahawk Road, coming from Babbitt, or Hwy 1 approaching from Ely.  The Slate Lake Area is not accessible from Hwy 2.  Evacuation orders are still in effect for McDougal Lake, the Highway 2 corridor, and the Mitawan Lake Road area.  For information about entering your property, call Lake County Dispatch, 218-510-0640.  You can also sign up for emergency text alerts and calls from Lake County at: https://www.co.lake.mn.us/emergency-management/.  The Red Cross Shelter moved from Finland to the Municipal Center in Babbitt for those who have been evacuated.  If you have any questions, contact the shelter manager at (425-677-5776).

CLOSURES:

·         Hwy 2 is closed from Forest Hwy 11 to Hwy 1. Hwy 1 is closed from New Tomahawk Rd to Lankinen Rd.  

·         A Forest Service closure order is in place to protect public health and safety due to the Greenwood Fire.  It extends across areas within the Kawishiwi, Laurentian, and Tofte Ranger Districts.  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 area.

AIR QUALITY: Air quality alerts can be found at:  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.  Superior National Forest:  Fire Restrictions Order and our Campfire Restrictions See our FAQ for more information.  Minnesota Department of Natural Resources: MN DNR Wildland Fire Information.  

YESTERDAY:  Hand crews and heavy equipment operators took advantage of cool temperatures, high humidity, and light rain to improve firelines on the west and north perimeters of the Greenwood Fire.  Crews have begun to improve the Stony River Grade Road which will serve as the primary eastern containment line of the fire.  Shaded fuel break construction continued eastward along Highway 1.  Structure protection crews established hose lays, installed sprinklers and water-tanks at residences near Isabella.  Fire size remained at 25,991 acres and 14% containment.  The John Ek and Whelp Fires, in the BWCA Wilderness, remain at 1,563 acres and 50 acres, respectively, with no containment.

TODAY AND TONIGHT:  Today’s priorities are to continue mop-up, improve, hold and monitor containment lines, and remove hazard trees along roads.  Work to improve containment lines will continue along Hwy 1 and along the Stony River Grade Road.  This afternoon, weather and fuel conditions will be assessed for a potential defensive firing operation along the Stony River Grade Road in the coming days.  A total of 472 personnel are working on the fire. 

WEATHER/FIRE BEHAVIOR:  Lingering rain and clouds will continue throughout the morning.  Through the afternoon, a high-pressure system will bring lower humidity as well as westerly winds with the potential for strong gusts.

SUMMARY:  Started by lightning, the Greenwood Fire was detected on August 15, 2021 around 3 pm on the Laurentian Ranger District.  Generally, the fire is between Greenwood Lake and the intersections of Highways 1 and 2.  The communities of Ely, Babbitt, Finland, Toimi-Brimson, and areas along the North Shore are not threatened by this fire.  The objective of fire management on the Greenwood Fire is full suppression using all available resources.  The fire continues to threaten cabins, homes, and recreational sites.  Fourteen primary structures and 57 outbuildings were destroyed on August 23.

SAFETY & EVACUATIONS:  As of the morning of August 28, evacuation orders in the Slate Lake area have been lifted.  This includes the area from Chub Lake to the New Tomahawk Road.  Properties in this area can only be accessed from the New Tomahawk Road, coming from Babbitt, or Hwy 1 approaching from Ely.  The Slate Lake Area cannot be accessed from Hwy 2.  Evacuation orders are still in effect for McDougal Lake, the Highway 2 corridor, and the Mitawan Lake Road area.  For further information, contact Lake County Emergency Management at 773-844-6449.  You can sign up for emergency text alerts and calls from Lake County at: https://www.co.lake.mn.us/emergency-management/.  The Red Cross Shelter moved from Finland to the Municipal Center in Babbitt for those who have been evacuated.  If you have any questions, contact the shelter manager at (425-677-5776).

CLOSURES:

·         Hwy 2 is closed from Forest Hwy 11 to Hwy 1. Hwy 1 is closed from New Tomahawk Rd to Lankinen Rd.  

·         A Forest Service closure order is in place to protect public health and safety due to the Greenwood Fire.  It extends across areas within the Kawishiwi, Laurentian, and Tofte Ranger Districts.  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 area.

AIR QUALITY: Air quality alerts can be found at:  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.  Superior National Forest:  Fire Restrictions Order and our Campfire Restrictions See our FAQ for more information.  Minnesota Department of Natural Resources: MN DNR Wildland Fire Information.  

Yesterday: Crews and heavy fire equipment took advantage of cooler conditions, higher humidity, and light rain to improve firelines in the west and north parts of the Greenwood Fire.  Preparation work for better containment lines continued in the northeast part of the fire.  Fire size remained at 25,991 acres and is now 14% contained.  The John Ek and Whelp Fires, in the BWCA Wilderness, remain at 1,563 acres and 50 acres with no containment. 

Today and Tonight:  Today’s priority is to patrol, hold the containment lines, mop-up, and remove snags that could ignite or fall across the fireline. Prep work to hold the fire and future defensive firing operations will continue along Hwy 1 and along the Stony River Grade Road to protect the community of Isabella and individual structures within the road corridor.  A total of 529 personnel are working on the fire, including cooperators and contractors.  The Incident Command Post is moving to the Finland Community Center.  The present post in Isabella will be maintained as an operations center for crews and equipment for the Greenwood Fire.  With suppression progress, some evacuation orders are being lifted.  Check the Lake County Emergency Management website and contact information below.

WEATHER/FIRE BEHAVIOR:  Weather today will include some rain, including possibly heavier showers in the evening, temperatures in the 70s, and light southeast winds.  

SUMMARY:  Started by lightning, the Greenwood Fire was detected on August 15, 2021, around 3 p.m. on the Laurentian Ranger District.  Generally, the fire is between Greenwood Lake and the intersections of Highways 1 and 2.  The communities of Ely, Babbitt, Finland, Toimi-Brimson and along the North Shore are not threatened by this fire.  The objective of fire management is full suppression using all available resources.  The fire continues to threaten cabins, homes, and recreational sites.  Fourteen primary structures and 57 outbuildings were destroyed August 23.  The fire has burned unevenly through varied upland and lowland plant communities.  It will likely improve habitat for some wildlife species such as moose or black-backed woodpecker.   

SAFETY & EVACUATIONS:  Lake County Sheriff’s office evacuation orders are in effect for McDougal Lake, Sand Lake, the Highway 2 corridor, and north of Highway 1 in the vicinity of East and West Chub lakes, Jackpot, Slate Lake and the Mitawan Lake Road area.  For further information contact Lake County Emergency Management at 773-844-6449.  You can sign up for emergency text alerts and calls from Lake County at: https://www.co.lake.mn.us/emergency-management/.  The Red Cross Shelter moved from Finland to the Municipal Center in Babbitt for those who have been evacuated.  If you have any questions, contact the shelter manager at (425-677-5776). 

CLOSURES: 

·         Hwy 2 is closed from Forest Hwy 11 to Hwy 1. Hwy 1 is closed from New Tomahawk Rd to Lankinen Rd.  

·         A Forest Service closure order is in place to protect public health and safety due to the Greenwood Fire.  It extends across areas within the Kawishiwi, Laurentian, and Tofte Ranger Districts.  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 area. 

AIR QUALITY: Air quality alerts can be found at:  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.  Superior National Forest:  Fire Restrictions Order and our Campfire Restrictions See our FAQ for more information.  Minnesota Department of Natural Resources: MN DNR Wildland Fire Information.  

 Yesterday: Crews and heavy fire equipment took advantage of cooler conditions and higher humidity to improve fire- lines in the west and north parts of the fire, including some use of defensive fire operations.  Preparation work for better containment lines continued in the northeast part of the fire.  Fire size remained at 25,991 acres.  
Today and Tonight:  Today’s priority again is to hold and improve firelines with the support of air resources, engines, bulldozers and other equipment and to reduce the burnable natural fuels near homes or near the edge of the fire.  Preparatory work to hold the fire and future defensive firing operations will continue along Hwy 1 and along the Stony River Grade Road to protect the community of Isabella and individual structures within the road corridor.  A total of 481 personnel are working on the fire, including cooperators and contractors.  The Incident Command Post will move to the Finland Community Center while the present post in Isabella will be maintained as an operations center for crews and equipment.  The Eastern Region Type 2 Incident Management Team assumed management of the John Ek and Whelp Fires (1,563 acres and 50 acres, respectively) in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness north of Tofte (https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/article/7808/64839/).  An operations center focused on those two fires will be maintained at the Gunflint Trail Volunteer Fire Department, 12059 Gunflint Trail, Grand Marais, MN 55604. 
WEATHER/FIRE BEHAVIOR:  Weather today will again be cooler with highs around 60 degrees and mostly cloudy skies, higher relative humidity, and a chance of rain.  Winds will be from the east 10 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 30 mph.
SUMMARY:  Started by lightning, the Greenwood Fire was detected on August 15, 2021, around 3 p.m. on the Laurentian Ranger District.  Generally, the fire is between Greenwood Lake and the intersections of Highways 1 and 2.  The communities of Ely, Babbitt, Finland, Toimi-Brimson and along the North Shore are not threatened by this fire.  The objective of fire management is full suppression using all available resources.  The fire continues to threaten cabins, homes, and recreational sites.  Twelve primary structures and 57 outbuildings were destroyed August 23.
SAFETY & EVACUATIONS:  Lake County Sheriff’s office evacuation orders are in effect for McDougal Lake, Sand Lake, the Highway 2 corridor, and north of Highway 1 in the vicinity of East and West Chub lakes, Jackpot, Slate Lake and the Mitawan Lake Road area.  For further information contact Lake County Emergency Management at 773-844-6449.  You can sign up for emergency text alerts and calls from Lake County at: https://www.co.lake.mn.us/emergency-management/.  The Red Cross Shelter moved from Finland to the Municipal Center in Babbitt for those who have been evacuated.  If you have any questions, contact the shelter manager at (425-677-5776).
CLOSURES:

·      Hwy 2 is closed from Forest Hwy 11 to Hwy 1. Hwy 1 is closed from New Tomahawk Rd to Lankinen Rd.

·      A Forest Service closure order is in place to protect public health and safety due to the Greenwood Fire.  It extends across areas within the Kawishiwi, Laurentian, and Tofte Ranger Districts.  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 area.

AIR QUALITY: Air quality alerts can be found at:  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.  Superior National Forest:  Fire Restrictions Order and our Campfire Restrictions See our FAQ for more information.  Minnesota Department of Natural Resources: MN DNR Wildland Fire Information.

Community Meeting Today at 6 p.m. at the Wolf Ridge Environmental Learning Center, 6282 Cranberry Rd, Finland, MN.

Yesterday: Taking advantage of northwest winds, crews initiated defensive firing operations along Hwy 1 and the Jackpot Lake Road to better secure fire boundaries.  Fuels were reduced around cabins and other structures to protect them.  A firing operation was also initiated along Hwy 2 at the southwest end of the fire.  Heavy machinery was used construct a fire line along the part of the fire to the west of Hwy 2 (northwest).  The fire was active in the southern portion. It is now estimated as 25,991 acres.  Today and Tonight:  Today’s priority is to hold and improve after yesterday’s firing operations, with the support of air resources, engines, bulldozers and other equipment, to reduce the burnable natural fuels near homes or near the edge of the fire.  Crews will strengthen containment lines and continue building firelines where feasible.  A total of 476 personnel are working on the fire, including cooperators and contractors. A new location for the Incident Command Post is being evaluated.
WEATHER/FIRE BEHAVIOR:  Weather today will be cooler with mostly cloudy skies and higher relative humidity.
SUMMARY:  Started by lightning, the Greenwood Fire was detected on August 15, 2021, around 3 p.m. on the Laurentian Ranger District.  Generally, the fire is between Greenwood Lake and the intersections of Highways 1 and 2.  The communities of Ely, Babbitt, Finland, Toimi-Brimson and along the North Shore are not threatened by this fire.  The objective of fire management is full suppression using all available resources.  The fire continues to threaten cabins, homes, and recreational sites.  Twelve primary structures and 57 outbuildings were destroyed August 23.  Owners have been contacted by the Sheriff.
SAFETY & EVACUATIONS:  Lake County Sheriff’s office evacuation orders are in effect for McDougal Lake, Sand Lake, the Highway 2 corridor, and north of Highway 1 in the vicinity of East and West Chub lakes, Jackpot, Slate Lake and the Mitawan Lake Road area.  For information regarding evacuations contact Lake County Emergency Management at 773-844-6449.  You can sign up for emergency text alerts and calls from Lake County here: https://www.co.lake.mn.us/emergency-management/.  The Red Cross Shelter moved from Finland to the Municipal Center in Babbitt for those who have been evacuated.  If you have any questions, contact the shelter manager at (425-677-5776).
CLOSURES:

·      Hwy 2 is closed from Forest Hwy 11 to Hwy 1. Hwy 1 is closed from New Tomahawk Rd to Lankinen Rd.

·      A Forest Service closure order is in place to protect public health and safety due to the Greenwood Fire.  It extends across areas within the Kawishiwi, Laurentian, and Tofte Ranger Districts.  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 area.

AIR QUALITY: Air quality alerts can be found at:  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.  Superior National Forest:  Fire Restrictions Order and our Campfire Restrictions See our FAQ for more information.  Minnesota Department of Natural Resources: MN DNR Wildland Fire Information.

Yesterday: Cloud cover, lower temperatures, and increased relative humidity helped to moderate fire activity and growth.  The fire is now estimated as 21,720 acres.  Suppression operations expanded to the east and south in response to Monday’s run.  Stony River Grade, just west of the Forest Service Isabella Work Center, has been identified as the eastern holding line.  Fire crews have also located a more secure fireline to hold the fire on the southern edge.  Engine crews re-engaged in structure protection in the McDougal area and along the Highway 2 corridor.  Tactical firing operations were conducted to protect structures and the Highway 1 corridor.  Additional crews and equipment were ordered to increase suppression capacity.     
Today and Tonight:  Firefighters will conduct several defensive firing operations with the support of air resources, engines, bulldozers and other equipment, to reduce the burnable natural fuels near homes or near the edge of the fire.  Crews will strengthen containment lines and continue building fireline where feasible.  Logging equipment will be used to continue the shaded fuel break on the south side of Highway 1.  This operation will selectively remove trees and brush that would carry the fire, while leaving many trees within the visual corridor along Highway 1. The Incident Command Post is scheduled to relocate to Babbitt to accommodate additional resources.  The Isabella Community Center will continue as a Forward Operating Base for firefighting operations. 

WEATHER/FIRE BEHAVIOR:  Weather today is expected to be favorable for the planned firing operations with light winds, lower temperatures and relative humidity in the high 30th percentile. 

SUMMARY:  The Greenwood Fire was detected on August 15, 2021, around 3 pm on the Laurentian Ranger District.  The fire is near Greenwood Lake and approximately 15 miles southwest of Isabella.  The community of Ely is not threatened by this fire.  The objective of fire management is full suppression using ground resources, heavy equipment, and aircraft.  The fire is threatening cabins, homes, and recreational sites.  The fire was caused by a lightning strike.

SAFETY & EVACUATIONS:  Lake County Sheriff’s office evacuation orders are in effect for McDougal Lake, Sand Lake, the Highway 2 corridor, and north of Highway 1 in the vicinity of East and West Chub lakes, Jackpot, Slate Lake and the Mitawan Lake Road area.  For information regarding evacuations contact Lake County Emergency Management at 773-844-6449.  You can sign up for emergency text alerts and calls from Lake County here: https://www.co.lake.mn.us/emergency-management/.  The Red Cross Shelter moved from Finland to the Municipal Center in Babbitt for those who have been evacuated.  If you have any questions, contact the shelter manager at (425-677-5776).

CLOSURES:

·      Hwy 2 is closed from Forest Hwy 11 to Hwy 1. Hwy 1 is closed from New Tomahawk Rd to Lankinen Rd.

·      A Forest Service closure order is in place to protect public health and safety due to the Greenwood Fire.  It extends across areas within the Kawishiwi, Laurentian, and Tofte Ranger Districts.  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 area.

AIR QUALITY: Air quality alerts can be found at:  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.  Superior National Forest:  Fire Restrictions Order and our Campfire Restrictions See our FAQ for more information.  Minnesota Department of Natural Resources: MN DNR Wildland Fire Information.

Yesterday: Fire activity increased earlier than normal because of extremely dry vegetation, warm temperatures and gusty winds.  Early in the afternoon, the fire made a run and developed a pyrocumulus cloud resulting in extreme fire behavior and fire-created lightning. The cloud was visible for miles in all directions and smoke and ash from the fire were reported as far away as Lutsen.  The preliminary estimated acreage today is 19,493.  Air resources, heavy equipment, and ground crews who were working on the fire had to be pulled off for their safety.  New evacuations were triggered north of Highway 1 and east of the Slate Lake Area.  Lake County Emergency Management evacuated 159 dwellings. 

Today and Tonight:  Firefighters will return, as conditions allow, to areas impacted by the fire yesterday. They will assess fire progression and size after yesterday’s run and engage to protect structures where it is safe to do so.  Operations will update suppression plans based on the fire growth.  Crews with heavy equipment will reinforce the southern portion of the fireline as an anchor point as well as the Highway 1 and County Highway 2 corridors.    

WEATHER/FIRE BEHAVIOR:  Fire behavior yesterday was extreme with torching, wind-driven runs and long-range spotting. Vegetation is at a near historic level for dryness contributing to extreme fire behavior.  We are expecting more favorable weather and less active fire conditions for the next few days. 

SUMMARY:  The Greenwood Fire was detected on August 15, 2021, around 3 p.m. on the Laurentian Ranger District.  The fire is near Greenwood Lake and approximately 15 miles southwest of Isabella.  The objective of fire management is full suppression using ground resources, heavy equipment, and aircraft.  The fire is threatening cabins, homes, and recreational sites.  The fire was caused by a lightning strike. 

SAFETY & EVACUATIONS:  Lake County Sheriff’s office evacuation orders are in effect for McDougal Lake, Sand Lake, the Highway 2 corridor, and north of Highway 1 in the vicinity of East and West Chub lakes, Jackpot, Slate Lake and the Mitawan Lake Road area.  For information regarding evacuations contact Lake County Emergency Management at 773-844-6449.  You can sign up for emergency text alerts and calls from Lake County here: https://www.co.lake.mn.us/emergency-management/.  The Red Cross Shelter moved to the Municipal Center in Babbitt for those who have been evacuated.  If you have any questions, contact the shelter manager at (425-677-5776).

CLOSURES:

·      Hwy 2 is closed from Forest Hwy 11 to Hwy 1. Hwy 1 is closed from New Tomahawk Rd to Lankinen Rd.

·      A Forest Service closure order is in place to protect public health and safety due to the Greenwood Fire.  It extends across areas within the Kawishiwi, Laurentian, and Tofte Ranger Districts.  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 area.

We anticipate additional closure areas will be identified as the extent of the fire growth is evaluated.

AIR QUALITY: Air quality alerts can be found at:  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.  Superior National Forest:  Fire Restrictions Order and our Campfire Restrictions See our FAQ for more information.  Minnesota Department of Natural Resources: MN DNR Wildland Fire Information.

A PUBLIC MEETING will be held tonight at 6:00 pm for the Greenwood Fire with presentations from the Forest Service, Sheriff, and the Incident Command Team. The Forest Service will also address other wildfires and the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness closure.  The meeting will be held at the Wolf Ridge Environmental Learning Center and will be broadcast live on the Superior National Forest Facebook page.
Yesterday and last night: Fire activity increased during the afternoon due to warmer temperatures, lower humidity, and gusty winds.  The most activity took place on the northwest finger and west flank of the fire.  Air resources, heavy equipment, and ground crews again focused on human safety, structure protection and long-term fire tactics.  The fire’s size remained at 8862 acres due to firefighting efforts and improved mapping of the fire footprint.  Contract loggers were engaged to create shaded fuel breaks at key areas on the fire.
Today and Tonight:  Operations staff will continue to respond to daily conditions and fire behavior while carrying out their strategic approach to controlling the fire.  Operations will emphasize reinforcing the southern line, the area of the Hwy 2 corridor, the McDougal Lake and Slate Lake areas.  Additional heavy equipment and personnel have been mobilized to assist in fire suppression.  Contract logging crews will continue to work on fuel break projects.
WEATHER/FIRE BEHAVIOR:  Fire behavior yesterday was active and included short runs, group torching, and some spotting.  We are expecting near critical fire weather today with warmer temperatures and gusty winds. 
SUMMARY:  The Greenwood Fire was detected on August 15, 2021, around 3 pm on the Laurentian Ranger District.  The fire is near Greenwood Lake and approximately 15 miles southwest of Isabella.  The objective of fire management is full suppression using ground resources, heavy equipment, and aircraft.  The fire is threatening cabins, homes, and recreational sites.  The fire was caused by a lightning strike.
SAFETY & EVACUATIONS:  Lake County Sheriff’s office evacuation orders are in effect for McDougal Lake, Sand Lake, the Highway 2 corridor, and north of Highway 1 in the vicinity of East and West Chub lakes, Jackpot, and Slate Lake.  For information regarding evacuations contact Lake County Emergency Management at 773-844-6449.  You can sign up for emergency text alerts and calls from Lake County here: https://www.co.lake.mn.us/emergency-management/.  If you or your pets need shelter, there is a Red Cross shelter at the Finland Community Center for those who have been evacuated (425-677-5776).
CLOSURES:

·      Hwy 2 is closed from Forest Hwy 11 to Hwy 1. Hwy 1 is closed from New Tomahawk Rd to Lankinen Rd.

·      A Forest Service closure order is in place to protect public health and safety due to the Greenwood Fire.  It extends across areas within the Kawishiwi, Laurentian, and Tofte Ranger Districts.  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 area.

AIR QUALITY: Air quality alerts can be found at:  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.  Superior National Forest:  Fire Restrictions Order and our Campfire Restrictions See our FAQ for more information.  Minnesota Department of Natural Resources: MN DNR Wildland Fire Information.