JOHN EK FIRE (1,357 acres, 0% contained): On Sunday, crews completed the contingency lines they have worked on the last several days, widening and clearing portages and setting up sprinkler systems. They have completed this line on the north side of the fire from Ogishkemuncie Lake to Tuscarora Lake and on the east from Little Saganaga Lake to Dent Lake. Firefighters continue this work on the west side of the fire from Little Saganaga Lake, working towards Pan Lake. Structure protection crews are still 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 and to the southeast of the John Ek Fire. On Sunday, crews completed contingency line along the south side of the fire from Phoebe Lake to Sawbill Campground and will begin working their way out Monday. Fire managers continue to use air resources to monitor the fire.

WEATHER and FIRE BEHAVIOR: It will be mostly sunny Monday, warming to around 72 degrees. Winds will be from the south at 6-8 mph with gusts to 18 mph. Minimum relative humidity will be around 42%. Precipitation over the fire area yesterday, combined with moderating conditions and lighter winds, should keep fire spread in check.  

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.

Public Information Line: 218-209-2633 | Email: [email protected]

John Ek Fire and Whelp Fire Inciweb:  https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7806/

Greenwood Fire Information:  218-499-9441 | All other fires on the Superior National Forest: 218-214-7844

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