Overview: The Superior National Forest continues to sweep visitors from the Wilderness in a safe and orderly manner. The MNCIS Type 3 team assumed command of the fires beginning today. No fire-fighting crews have been sent directly to the fires due to difficult access, limited aircraft resources, and safety concerns. Crews will focus on fuels mitigation projects in the Sawbill Lake area today.  A reconnaissance flight is scheduled for this morning to assess both John Ek and Whelp Fires.  To view the public meeting held on August 22, please go to https://fb.watch/7zvsmQ4zlW/.

John Ek Fire: The John Ek fire held its current footprint yesterday of an estimated 800 acres with cooler air temperatures over the area. The fire is 2.5 miles south of Little Saganaga Lake and extends from John Ek Lake to the SE corner of Elton Lake.  

Whelp Fire: The Whelp Fire is a lightning-caused fire located five miles northwest of Sawbill Lake, and continues to creep and smolder in the deep duff without moving outside of its current footprint of an estimated 50 acres. 

Closure Update: A closure is in place for the entire Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, effective August 21, 2021, due to active and increasing fire activity, extreme drought, and limited resources. The closure includes all lands, waters, trails, portages, campsite, canoe routes, and Wilderness entry points in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. The Forest has notified permit holders and outfitters and is cancelling permits August 21 through August 27. Permit holders will be fully reimbursed. At this time, all overnight paddle, day use and motorized day use is cancelled. The Forest will reopen portions of the Wilderness and some uses when it is safe.

For details on closure areas, visit the Superior National Forest webpage. With continued fires and a shortage of firefighting resources, these closures allow firefighters to focus on existing fires or new starts without worrying about public safety.

Evacuations: There are no mandatory evacuations in Cook County as of noon today. Homeowners in Cook County can sign up for the emergency alert system CodeRED at https://www.co.cook.mn.us/index.php/2016-04-14-15-58-03.

Fire Restrictions: Due to continued long-term drought conditions and limited fire-fighting resources, the Superior National Forest is not allowing campfires within the Forest boundary on National Forest lands, including the BWCAW. Propane devices with an on/off switch are permitted, including lanterns, stoves, and firepits. Please see Fire Restrictions Order and our Campfire Restrictions FAQ for more information.

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources has various fire restrictions throughout the state. The burning restrictions reflect on-the-ground conditions and wildland fire response capacity, assessed on a county-by-county basis. Please see their website for additional details: https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/forestry/fire/index.html

Information for John Ek and Whelp Forest Fires: Please call 218-209-2633 or email [email protected]. Information online at https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/, the Superior NF website www.fs.usda.gov/superior, or the Forest’s Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/SuperiorNF/.