|
|
With drought conditions, gusting winds, warmer than normal temperatures for this time of year, the Greenwood fire is growing, spreading to over 3,200 acres.
The fire started about 3 p.m. on Sunday, August 15 about 15 miles southwest of Isabella near Greenwood Lake in the Superior National Forest. What triggered the blaze is unknown, but by Wednesday, August 18, portions of Highway 1 had to be closed and the Lake County Sheriff ’s Office reported that 75 homes and cabins had been evacuated.
Evacuees needing help are going to the Finland Community Center, which was opened as an emergency shelter by the Lake County Emergency Management.
In an effort to slow the spread, the Forest Service is using airplanes to drop water and fire retardant on the fire.
With most of the state’s trained firefighters working on large fires out west, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz called on the National Guard to assist.
Some recreation areas, campgrounds and boat launches were closed across the Kawishiwi, Laurentian and Tofte Ranger Districts. A small portion of the BWCAW was also closed due to the Greenwood Lake fire.
Heavy smoke and ash were reported near Highway 1 on Monday.
No rain is in the forecast until Saturday, August 21. In the meantime, temperatures are reported to be in the high 70’s and low 60’s at night.
Forest service fire fighters are working to contain numerous other blazes in the area. The Bungee, Fourtown and Sundial South fires are located within the closure area of the BWCAW. First detected on July 25, the Fourtown fire is located about 12 miles north of Ely. At about 265 acers, it has continued to stay within its containment lines.
The Bungee Fire was discovered July 30 and it is 3.5 acres. Very minimal fire activity has been spotted there this past week.
The Sundial South fire was found on July 21. It is one-quarter acre in size and is inaccessible to fire crews due to its remote location and hazardous fuels. The forest service is monitoring this fire by air.
The Little Lake Road Fire was discovered on August 16 and is burning about three miles southwest of the Ely airport. The Ely fire department and Forest Service have been able to keep this half-acre blaze to a minimum.
Just 2.5 miles south of Little Saganaga Lake, a lightning strike is believed to have caused the John Elk Fire. Because of difficult access no firefighting crews have been sent to this fire. On Tuesday, August 17, the John Elk Fire was estimated at two acres and helicopters were knocking down the flames with water drops. Meanwhile, two wilderness ranger crews were paddling the Louse River to contact permit holders in the area and update them on the fire conditions.
Four miles west of Sawbill Lake, the Whelp fire is torching some trees and has increased in size. No firefighting crews were assigned to the fire because of the remote, rugged conditions. Once it is safe, crews will be sent in to fight the blaze. Meanwhile air crews will continue to drop water on the fire, which was 10-20 acres on Tuesday.
By Tuesday night, the Whelp fire had continued to grow and the Forest Service closed 18 lakes, some lands, waters, portages, and canoe routes affected by the fire in the BWCAW.
The Clara Lake Fire was discovered on August 12 and is the result of an illegal campfire. Clara Lake is located 10 miles northwest of Lutsen and outside of the wilderness.
Fire fighters and aircraft are containing the fire on the island.
Three small fires: Pelt Lake, Tomlinson, and Homestead (one acre or less), were controlled and being contained and will be monitored daily.
Canada has three fires burning north of the international border and the BWCAW. These fires have potential to spread to areas near Crooked and Iron Lakes. The Forest Service has coordinated with its counterparts in Ontario and continues to monitor these fires as well.
Because of the long-term drought conditions, the Superior National Forest is not allowing campfires within the Forest boundary on national grounds, including within the BWCAW. Campfires are not allowed at any BWCAW campsite, not even in fire rings.
As of 12:01 a.m. on Tuesday, August 17, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources expanded its burning restrictions across portions of central and northern Minnesota, covering 34 counties.
Leave a Reply