According to U.S. Forest Service officials, the Pagami Creek Fire is now 23% contained. The size of the fire has now been assessed at 93,898 acres.
Although the fire area received a half inch of rain on Sunday, Sept. 18, when fire-behavior specialists flew over the fire on Monday afternoon they observed some trees torching, which is an indication that the fuels are still quite dry. However, today and Wednesday are expected to be extremely wet, which will temper fire activity, increase fuel moisture, and begin to reduce the fire-danger indices. The fire is expected to smolder and creep today.
The daily update reports that crews on “Division B” made good progress yesterday, constructing two miles of fire line eastward. Crews on “Division C” established and constructed 1.5 miles of line. Two resource advisers got to “Division D” and are scouting and planning in advance of crews being assigned to the division. Crews on the southern part of the fire also made good progress mopping up and securing line. Helicopters delivered 10,000 pounds of cargo to fire crews. Type 1 helicopters dropped 86 buckets on the fire area.
Activities for Tuesday, September 20 include continued assessment of “Division D”—scouting line, identifying camp locations and establishing a camp for firefighters; continued patrolling of containment line; and continued scouting for hotspots and mop up.
A drying trend will start Thursday and extend into the weekend, so all resources continue to remain on high alert.
Some entry points and portages have been opened to the public. Detailed information can be found at www.fs.usda.gov/goto/superior/home or by calling 218-365-7600.
Road closures are still in effect and additional road closures may occur, so before visiting call the number above or visit www.inciweb.org/incident/2534 for up to the minute information.
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