Yesterday:  In the afternoon, the fire spotted outside the west perimeter in an area southwest of Stony Lake.  The fire paralleled Highway 2 before crossing the highway and making a significant, four mile run to the north.  The fire grew from 4,734 acres to an estimated area of 9,067 acres.  Once the fire moved across Highway 2, it crossed a management action point which triggered evacuations.  The Lake County Sheriff’s Department coordinated evacuations in the vicinity of Jackpot, East and West Chub lakes, and Slate Lake.

Today and Tonight:  Operations staff will be in the field today to assess the growth of the fire.  Operations will emphasize reinforcing the southern line, the area of the Hwy 2 corridor, and the McDougal Lake area.  Additional heavy equipment and personnel have been mobilized to assist in fire suppression.  Crews will assess structures for protection in new evacuation areas.

WEATHER/FIRE BEHAVOIR:  Last night, the fire received minimal precipitation.  We anticipate that we will continue to experience winds capable of producing active fire behavior.

 The public information map of the Greenwood Lake area fire.  Graphic: SNF

 
The infrared map of the Greenwood Lake area fire.  Graphic: SNF

SUMMARY:  The Greenwood Fire was detected on August 15, 2021, around 3 pm on the Laurentian Ranger District.  The fire is near Greenwood Lake and approximately 15 miles southwest of Isabella.  The objective of fire management is full suppression using ground resources, heavy equipment, and aircraft.  The fire is threatening cabins, homes, and recreational sites.  The fire was caused by a lightning strike.

SAFETY & EVACUATIONS:  Lake County Sheriff’s office evacuation orders are in effect for McDougal Lake, Sand Lake, the Highway 2 corridor, and north of Highway 1 in the vicinity of East and West Chub lakes, Jackpot, and Slate Lake.  For information regarding evacuations contact Lake County Emergency Management at 773-844-6449.  You can sign up for emergency text alerts and calls from Lake County here: https://www.co.lake.mn.us/emergency-management/.  If you or your small pets need shelter, there is a Red Cross shelter at the Finland Community Center for those who have been evacuated (425-677-5776).

• Hwy 2 is closed from Forest Hwy 11 to Hwy 1. Hwy 1 is closed from New Tomahawk Rd to Lankinen Rd.

• A Forest Service closure order is in place to protect public health and safety due to the Greenwood Fire.  It extends across areas within the Kawishiwi, Laurentian, and Tofte Ranger Districts and a small portion of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness.  To see the full Forest order and other alerts go to: https://www.fs.usda.gov/superior.

• A Temporary Flight Restriction for aircraft is in place over the fire area.

We anticipate additional closure areas will be identified as the extent of the fire growth is evaluated.

AIR QUALITY: The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) has issued an air quality alert effective until 3 p.m. on Monday, Aug. 23, for Lake and Cook Counties. The affected area includes Isabella, Silver Bay, Grand Marais, and the tribal nation of Grand Portage.  For other areas go to: Air Quality Index webpage.