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Superior National Forest - John Ek and Whelp wildfire updates - August 27, 2021

Aug 27, 2021 11:47AM ● By Editor
Photo Superior National Forest

From Superior National Forest - August 27, 2021 - 11AM


Yesterday: The John Ek Fire did not make any significant growth due to weather conditions and remains at 1563 acres. Plans were developed to begin ground reconnaissance today. No water drops were necessary. There was no growth on the Whelp Fire and it remains at 50 acres. Fourteen firefighters were inserted on Whelp yesterday and they were able to set up a camp, establish a pump site and begin hose lays. 

Today: A reconnaissance crew will inserted into the John Ek fire for the day via aircraft and returning this evening.  They will establish communications with the command post and scout for safety zones, helispots and spike camps. Reconnaissance missions help identify any potential hazards that could pose a risk for firefighter safety.  Additional resources will be inserted at the Whelp Fire to construct hose lays. Air resources will monitor both fires and suppress any fire activity.

WEATHER/FIRE BEHAVIOR: Cloudy today with showers likely and a slight chance of thunderstorms. Winds are from the east at 10-15 mph, gusting to 30 mph. Fire activity decreases with continued chances for precipitation through the weekend along with cool temps, cloudy skies, and high RH.

SUMMARY: The John Ek and Whelp Fires were caused by lightning and are located within the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. The John Ek Fire is 2.5 miles south of Little Saganaga Lake and extends from John Ek Lake to the SE corner of Elton Lake. The Whelp fire is five miles northwest of Sawbill Lake.

SAFETY & EVACUATIONS:  There are no mandatory evacuations in Cook County at this time. 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. The Cook County Sheriff’s Office recommends that residents and visitors be in “ready” mode in case of eventual evacuation.

CLOSURES:

  • Superior National Forest lands and roads along the upper portion of the Gunflint Trail are closed due to fires in the vicinity and limited firefighting resources. This closure includes all forest lands/roads along Cook County 12/Gunflint Trail beginning at the Cook County 92 intersection to the end of the Gunflint Trail. Trails End and Iron Lake campground are in the closure area. 
  • Across Superior National Forest, there are several closure orders  in place to protect public health and safety due to widlfires.  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 areas.

AIR QUALITY: Air quality alerts can be found at:  Air Quality Index webpage.

FIRE RESTRICTIONS: Fire restrictions are in place for the Superior National Forest and Minnesota Department of Natural Resources for areas within state jurisdiction Cook and Lake Counties and northern St. Louis County.  Superior National Forest:  Fire Restrictions Order and our Campfire Restrictions See our FAQ for more information.  Minnesota Department of Natural Resources: MN DNR Wildland Fire Information.

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