Superior National Forest/Gunflint District representative Melissa Grover updated the county board Tuesday, September 13 on the Pagami Creek fire situation.
Grover described a number of different fires in the area; some were under control or out. One fire had been started by a powerline. “There’s competition for fire equipment,” she said.
Sheriff Mark Falk told the board the area had so much smoke that the extent of the fire was unknown.
“It’s something we’re all concerned about,” said Commissioner Jim Johnson.
“Very concerned about,” said Sheriff Falk. “The weather’s not cooperating. That’s very unfortunate. I think we’ll be sitting on edge for awhile. …I feel very sorry for the sheriff of Lake County.”
Sheriff Falk said he believed the big thunderstorm (with hail) in Grand Marais the day before was caused partly by the fire. “Fire creates its own weather,” Falk said. “Mother Nature’s in control and there’s nothing we can do about that.”
The U.S. Forest Service’s Beaver planes have been “a huge asset for our forest,” Falk said. Commissioner Johnson said other states don’t have nearly as much firefighting equipment as Minnesota.
Gunflint District Ranger Dennis Neitzke was not on hand because he had been assigned to hurricane relief in Vermont.
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