Near Spice Lake within the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW), Superior National Forest, Lake County, Township 65 North, Range 6 West, Section 27.
Summary:
Late in the afternoon on June 13th, a wildfire was detected between Spice Lake and Ogishkemuncie Lake in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW) on the Gunflint Ranger District of the Superior National Forest. Spice Lake is located east of Knife and Kekekabic Lakes and southwest of Seagull Lake, approximately 10 miles west of the Gunflint Trail. Suppression actions were taken by both aircraft and firefighters on the ground from June 14-20, 2023.
Current Status:
Fire activity has been minimal, and the containment lines have all remained quiet. The fire has been 100% contained since the morning of June 21. The 9-person fire crew that has been located on site has completed their mop up work and is paddling out from the fire today.
Planned Actions:
A 2-person fire crew from the district will travel by canoe to the fire on Monday, June 26 and be on site to monitor the fire condition next week.
Area Closures:
The Superior National Forest has implemented Forest Order (09-09-23-04) for a closure area of lakes, portages, and trails near the fire for public safety. Public safety crews are redirecting visitors and posting portages closed. Details can be found at Superior National Forest - Alerts & Notices (usda.gov).
Fire Restrictions:
The Superior National Forest has implemented a Forest Order (09-09-23-02) for campfire restrictions due to continued dry conditions and very high wildfire danger. This Order will remain in effect until further notice. See the Superior National Forest website https://www.fs.usda.gov/superior for more information on fire restrictions.
Cooperating Agencies
National Park Service and the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources.
