Single Publication

Wood Lake Fire October 1, 2024, Update 

Size: 34 acres            Containment: 50%

Cause: Under Investigation-Human Caused*[1]                              Start Date: September 10, 2024 

Fire Information: 

Inciweb page: https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/mnsuf-wood-lake-fire

Closure Information 

Superior NF Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SuperiorNF

Twitter/X: https://x.com/SuperiorNF

Update will be distributed when significant activity occurs. 

Current Status and Resources: Yesterday, water dropping aircraft were used to keep the fire’s edge cool during critical fire weather. Firefighters are assigned to the fire. Fire weakened dead and downed trees are widespread in the fire area, along with burnt standing trees with fire weakened root systems called snags. These conditions present safety hazards to firefighters that need to be evaluated before directly engaging. Additional aircraft will be used as needed and available.

Planned Actions: Critical fire weather continues with high winds and low humidity levels. Firefighters are monitoring fire activity and developing contingency plans.

Closures: The Superior National Forest (NF) modified Emergency Closure Order #09-09-24-07 . Please see the Superior NF webpage for current closure order information for the public’s health and safety due to the Wood Lake fire within the vicinity of recreation areas. 

For the safety of firefighting resources, no drones are allowed near the fire area and are illegal in federally designated wilderness areas. 

Weather and Smoke: Near critical fire weather conditions continue are forecasted for today and this evening for portions of northeastern Minnesota due to low humidity and gusty winds. Otherwise, sunny with a high of 59. West winds 10-15 mph with gusts of 25 mph. Tonight, increasing clouds with a low of 44. South winds 5-15 mph, with gusts of 25 mph.  

Air Quality Forecast: GOOD-https://www.pca.state.mn.us/air-water-land-climate/air-quality-forecast

Fire Summary: On September 10, 2024, around 11:00 a.m. a fire was detected on an island of Wood Lake, located north of County Road 18, within the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW) of the Superior National Forest. The fire is located in T64, R10, S26 on National Forest System land. An Emergency Closure Order is in effect for nine locations including BWCAW Entry Point 26-Wood Lake.

[1] *Superior NF law enforcement staff are requesting any information into the start of the fire. Please email the Superior NF Tipline at SM.FS.SUP-tipline@usda.gov, Superior NF Webpage Tipline. Thank you for your assistance.