Wood Lake Fire Final Update – September 20, 2024

Incidents

Superior National Forest

Forest Service Fire Information

Date: September 20, 2024   Size: 27 acres    Containment: 25%

Cause: Under Investigation-Human Caused*  Start Date: September 10, 2024

Fire Information:

Current Status and Resources:  Fire activity is minimal; smoldering and creeping in the duff layer. The fire received additional precipitation from last evening’s storm. Fire weakened dead and downed trees are widespread in the fire area, along with burnt standing trees with fire weakened root systems called snags. For safety of firefighters from the snag hazards, firefighters are not mopping up. Aircraft remain available if needed. The National Preparedness Level remains at 5.

Planned Actions: The White Mountain National Forest firefighters continue to monitor the north line of the fire, along with a local incident commander. All perimeter or containment lines are holding. 

Closures: The Superior National Forest will be adjusting Emergency Closure Order #09-09-24-07 for the public’s health and safety due to the Wood Lake fire within the vicinity of recreation areas. For current closure information, see the updated Exhibit A-List of Closed Areas and Exhibit B-Closure Map. Superior NF staff will meet next week to discuss the Wood Lake Fire closure.

Weather and Smoke: Today-Partly sunny, high of 71. Light west winds 5-10mph hour in the morning, with gusts to 20mph. Tonight-Mostly clear, low of 48. West winds up to 5mph. Saturday-A slight chance of showers and thunderstorms. High near 77. Light southwest winds from 5-10mph in the morning, with gusts up to 20mph. Chance of precipitation is 20%. 

Overall air quality in the Ely area will be GOOD today. Wildfire smoke from Canada is possible in the area. https://www.pca.state.mn.us/air-water-land- climate/air-quality-forecast

Fire Summary: On September 10, 2024, around 11:00 a.m. a fire was detected on an island of Wood Lake, located north of County Road 18, within the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW) of the Superior National Forest. The fire is located in T64, R10, S26 on National Forest System land. An Emergency Closure Order is in effect for 19 locations including BWCAW Entry Point 27 on Wood Lake. *Superior NF law enforcement staff are requesting any information into the start of the fire. Please email the Superior NF Tipline at SM.FS.SUP-tipline@usda.gov, Superior NF Webpage Tipline. Thank you for your assistance.