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Boreal Community Media

Superior National Forest - John Ek and Whelp wildfires update - September 5, 2021

Sep 05, 2021 12:18PM ● By Editor

Watch the Community Information Meeting Video from September 4

From the Superior National Forest - September 5, 2021

JOHN EK FIRE (1,350 acres, 0% contained): Crews made substantial progress constructing contingency lines the last few days, widening and clearing portages and setting up sprinkler systems. Yesterday, firefighters completed the contingency line on the north side of the fire from Ogishkemuncie Lake to Tuscarora Lake. Crews working on the west side of the fire constructed contingency line from the Panhandle Lake Portage, completing over half of the planned line in that area. On the east side, crews also constructed over half the planned contingency line there, working south from Mesaba Lake to Dent Lake. Structure protection crews continue doing FireWise work (assessing structures, removing debris and thinning fuels near homes) on the south side of the Gunflint Trail, from Poplar Lake to Round Lake and Tuscarora Lodge. 

WHELP FIRE (50 acres, 0% contained): The Whelp Fire is five miles northwest of Sawbill Lake. On Saturday, crews constructed contingency line along the south side of the fire from Phoebe Lake to Grace Lake and will continue to Beth Lake Sunday. The firefighters working west from the Sawbill Campground worked towards Beth Lake Saturday. Fire managers continue to use air resources to monitor the fire. 

 

WEATHER and FIRE BEHAVIOR: Temperatures will be 60-65 degrees with northwest winds at 8-12 mph and gusts to 25 mph. Minimum relative humidity will range from 52 to 56%. With stronger, gusty winds, some creeping and surface spread in exposed dry marsh grasses is possible, but no significant fire movement is anticipated. 

SAFETY & EVACUATIONS:  On September 2, the Cook County Sheriff’s Office changed the evacuation status of the Upper Gunflint Trail, from the south side of Loon Lake west to the end of the Gunflint trail, back to “Ready” status. There are currently no mandatory evacuations in Cook County. However, the public should continue to monitor the status of the fires as conditions can change quickly. 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

CLOSURES:

  • Superior National Forest lands and roads along the upper portion of the Gunflint Trail are closed due to fires in the vicinity. The closure includes all forest lands and 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 campgrounds are in the closure area. 
  • Most of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness closure has been lifted, with the exception of the John Ek/Whelp fire closures and entry points associated with the Greenwood Fire and Gunflint Trail Closure. John Ek/Whelp closure area includes the following entry points: Seagull Lake Entry Point #54/#54A/L, Saganaga Lake Entry Point #55/#55A/J, Missing Link Lake EP #51, Brant Lake Entry Point #52, Cross Bay Lake Entry Point #50, Kekekabic Trail Entry Point #56 and #74, Skipper and Portage Lakes Entry Point #49, Kawishiwi Lake Entry Point #37, ​Magnetic Lake EP #57, Larch Creek EP #80. Due to upper Gunflint Trail closure South Lake EP #58 is closed. Due to the Greenwood Fire closure, the following are closed: Island River EP #34, Isabella Lake EP #35, Bog Lake EP #67, Little Isabella River #75, Snake River EP #84, Pow Wow Trail EP #86, and Hog Creek #36.
  • Across Superior National Forest, several closure orders are in effect due to wildfires, to protect public health and safety.  To see all the Forest closure orders and other alerts go to: https://www.fs.usda.gov/superior.
  • A temporary flight restriction for aircraft is in place over the fire areas. 

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