Updates on Pagami Creek fire at public meetings tonight, Sept. 19

A public information meeting was held this morning at the Gunflint Trail Fire Department Poplar Lake Fire Hall. Two more meetings will be held this evening, Sept. 19 at the Gunflint Ranger Station in Grand Marais at 7 p.m. and at the Schroeder Town Hall at 7 p.m.

An update will be given on the status of the Pagami fire and fire activities on the east zone of the Superior National Forest. Presenters will include fire officials from the east zone, Cook County Sherriff’s office and the MNICS Incident Management Team.

There are 565 people assigned to the fire, which includes five Type 1 crews (hotshot crews) and eight Type 2 crews. There are also three Type 2 helicopters, one Type 1 helicopter, eleven engines, four dozers, and 1 water tender assigned to the incident. In addition to the massive resources assigned to the Pagami Creek fire, the weather has been cooperating–cooler weather, higher humidity and rainfall are aiding in the firefight.

Forest-wide fire restrictions remain: building, maintaining, or using a fire or campfire, including charcoal fires, wood-burning camp stoves, and charcoal grills, is prohibited on all lands (federal, state, local government, and private) within the administrative boundaries of the Superior National Forest. Charcoal grills are allowed at private residences. Use of pressurized liquid gas stoves is allowed. With increased traffic due to the fire and grouse-season, all drivers—the public and fire personnel—should be alert and drive safely. Because the area’s soils and the root-systems of trees are shallow, fire can burn and weaken the roots but leave trees standing. The stability of the burned standing trees is deceptive, and they can fall over easily in windy, gusty conditions.

For the very latest information, visit:

Internet: www.inciweb.org/incident/2534

Twitter: Twitter@inciweb