Single Publication

Wood Lake Fire Update

Date: September 18, 2024                Size: 27 acres             Containment: 25%

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 

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The fire update will switch to every other day unless there is a change in fire activity. 

Current Status and Resources: Fire activity is minimal; smoldering and creeping in the duff layer. Some precipitation in varying amounts fell over the fire the last 48 hours. Fire weakened dead and downed trees are widespread in the fire area, along with burnt standing trees with fire weakened root systems called snags. For safety of firefighters from the snag hazards, firefighters are not mopping up. Aircraft remain available if needed. The National Preparedness Level remains at 5. 

Planned Actions: New England firefighters from the White Mountain National Forest are assigned to the fire, along with a local incident commander. Today they will scout contingency lines on the east and west sides of the fire and monitor fire activity. Work continues by local crews for contingency planning for the Tofte Lake and Moose Lake areas. All perimeter/containment lines are holding. 

Closures: On September 17, 2024, the Superior National Forest adjusted the Emergency Closure Order #09-09-24-07 for the public’s health and safety due to the Wood Lake fire within the vicinity of recreation areas. For current closure information, see the updated Exhibit A-List of Closed Areas and Exhibit B-Closure Map. 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: Today-20% chance of showers and thunderstorms before 10am. Mostly sunny, high of 81. South wind 10mph, with gusts to 20mph. Overnight-A slight chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, low of 62. South wind 5-10mph, with gust to 20mph. Chance of precipitation-20%. Thursday-50% chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly sunny-high of 77. Breezy, with a south wind 10-15mph, gusting to 25mph. 

Overall air quality in the Ely area will be GOOD today. Wildfire smoke from Canada is possible in the area. 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.