A Minnesota Department of Natural Resources Bombardier CL-215 water bomber flew between Gunflint Lake and the Lizard Lake wildfire on Sunday, August 29 as high winds kicked up the fire.
U.S. Forest Service firefighting planes are again being seen over the Northland as a wildfire burns in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW), 1½ miles north of Long Island Lake and 1 mile south of Dawkins Lake on the Gunflint Trail, approximately one mile from the Gunflint Trail. At press time on Wednesday, September 1, 2010, the Forest Service reported that the fire was estimated to be 52 acres. Since the fire is in the BWCAW, a “fire adapted ecosystem,” the fire is being managed to allow it to play its natural role in the wilderness. However, water drops by helicopter and CL215 aircraft are being used as needed to check the forward progress of the fire.
The fire was spotted by Forest Service personnel traveling the Gunflint Trail on August 26. The fire was assessed on August 27 at less than ¼ acre in size. At that time it was smoldering on the ground with no open flames. However, when Forest Service personnel flew over the fire on Saturday, August 28, the fire was determined to be 1.5 acres in size and it was creeping under tree canopy, burning through lowland vegetation.
Fire activity increased on Sunday, August 29, with warmer temperatures and high winds. By 10:40 a.m., the fire size was estimated to be 45 acres. Water drops began and were used again on Sunday on the northern and eastern perimeter of the fire. Monday’s daytime humidity was higher so fire activity and spread were negligible. The large CL215 water dropping aircraft was not used on Monday, but a helicopter was still in service, dropping water on hot spots along the northern perimeter of the fire.
A small amount of rain, 0.02 inches, was recorded on the fire on Tuesday morning. That, along with higher humidity, kept fire activity low and no water was dropped on the fire.
At press time on Wednesday, the Forest Service said its confinement objectives were to keep the fire south of Dawkins, east of Rib Lake, and west of Lizard Lake and noted that those objectives were being met. Smoke is evident along the Gunflint Trail, with reports of the smell of smoke as far south on the Gunflint Trail as Poplar Lake.
The fire is not near canoe travel routes and is not a threat to visitor safety or structures. The closest portages are: the Rib Lake to Lower George Lake Portage, which is approximately ¾ mile to the west; and the Lower George to Karl Lake Portage which is approximately 1.5 miles to the SW. There are no closures or restrictions in the BWCAW as a result of this fire and none are anticipated.
Thecause of the Lizard Lake fireis believed to be from a lightning strike seven to 10 days before the fire was detected.
For current conditions check the Superior National Forest Information on Boreal News at: www.boreal.org or call the Gunflint Ranger District Office at (218) 387-1750.
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