THE BOUNDARY WATERS- Several lakes, portages, and campsites within the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness remained closed this week as a result of a slow-growing wildfire on the northeast shore of Wood Lake, located just inside the wilderness boundary. Although the U.S. Forest Service removed one lake and three portages from the closure list earlier this week, the fire reportedly remained active. Visitors to the wilderness should consult the forest service closure list before venturing into the area.
The continued dry, warm weather has increased fire danger in the region, which is one reason the forest service remains in full suppression status with the blaze, currently pegged at 27 acres and 25 percent contained.
A small crew of firefighters have focused their attention on keeping the blaze on the north side of the lake, which is furthest away from structures located outside the wilderness. Fire officials are concerned that the fire could jump a narrows on the far east end of the lake, which could put the fire within a mile or two of resorts, outfitters, and cabins on Moose Lake and other portions of the Fernberg Road.
Forest service officials believe that the Wood Lake fire had a human origin and they are requesting any information people may have regarding the start of the fire. Please email the SNF tipline at SM.FS.SUP-tipline@usda.gov.
Slow start
The Wood Lake Fire was detected around 11 a.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 10, on an island off the north shore of the lake. It soon jumped from the island to the north bank of the lake, where it encountered a considerable amount of balsam fir that was dead or dying as a result of spruce budworm. The fire remained small through Thursday morning, Sept. 12, at five acres. Despite its size, the forest service ramped up suppression efforts because of the recent weather conditions and favorable fuel load.
Suppression
The forest service defended its decision to close several lakes and portages for such a small blaze. “A closure order is needed to prioritize safety. Firefighter and public safety are the top priorities,” states a recent press statement issued by the forest. Fire officials cited above-average temperatures, fuel and drought conditions, an extended forecast showing minimal rain chances, and the limited availability of firefighting resources as reasons for extra caution.
The national fire priority remains at its highest level because of the fires out West, which have gobbled up resources, leaving Minnesota and the eastern half of the nation scrambling for people and equipment. A “suppression module” of firefighters from Connecticut arrived on Friday to help with the fire.
No help from rain
“The rain (on Sunday and Monday) did not help much,” USFS spokesperson Christine Kolinski told the Timberjay on Tuesday. “It will take more substantial rain to help with this fire. That’s because the fire has burned down into the duff layer, soil, and roots. It will take more than a little rain to get this fire out.”
The link for Wood Lake Fire information and closures is online at inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-closures/mnsuf-wood-lake-fire.