Photo: US Forest Service 

By Laura Durenberger-Grunow - Boreal Community Media - September 11, 2024


Editor's note 9/13/2024: Find the most recent update to the Wood Lake fire here.

On Tuesday, September 10, 2024, a wildfire was detected on an island within Wood Lake in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, located approximately 16 miles Northeast of Ely, Minnesota.

 Image: Fire Weather Avalance

According to a press release issued by the US Forest Service on September 11, the fire is approximately 3-5 acres in size, and is burning from a heavy timber component made up of mostly dead balsam fir. "The fire area and surrounding landscape has thick vegetation and a significant amount of spruce budworm-infested balsam fir," the release said. While this is an active wildfire, the US Forest Service said it was mostly "smoldering, creeping, and burning in place due to good relative humidity levels" overnight. Little to no winds also contributed to the low spread. However, above-average temperatures and low levels of precipitation are expected the next few days. Additionally, "increased winds are expected for the Thursday- Friday."

According to the Superior National Forest, current suppression methods include "utilizing aircraft to cool the fire and initiate suppression actions with the highest likelihood of success," aiming for full suppression. However, ground conditions and accessibility to the site remain challenges. 

Additional support has been requested; however, resources are limited. According to the National Interagency Fire Center, there are currently 67 active wildfires within the US that are being managed using full suppression methods, including 24,518 wildland firefighters and support staff currently assigned to incidents. The National Fire Preparedness Level is currently at a 5 (the highest level), which means that "national resources are heavily committed."

For the safety of the public and firefighters, Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness entry point 26 has been closed. The Superior National Forest asks the public to stay away from the area, and find alternative routes. Current entry point 26 holders have been contacted. 

This is a developing story. Boreal Community Media will continue to provide updates as more information becomes available.