A potential second wildfire near Ely, MN is detected, while crews still battle Wood Lake fire in the BWCAW
Sep 13, 2024 09:17AM ● By Content EditorPhoto: Maxim Tajer via Unsplash.com
By Laura Durenberger-Grunow - Boreal Community Media - September 13, 2024
As crews continue to battle the Wood Lake wildfire, located approximately 16 miles northeast of Ely, Minnesota, the US Forest Service issued a notice yesterday evening alerting the public to the possibility of another wildfire in the area.
According to the Facebook post from the US Forest Service (USFS)—Superior National Forest (SNF), a potential wildfire was detected on the north arm of Burntside Lake, which is located three miles northwest of downtown Ely. The USFS reported that air and ground crews were dispatched immediately to assess the situation.
Image: Inciweb
Two hours after the initial post from the USFS, the Minnesota Incident Command System (MNICS)
reported that firefighters were responding to the fire (which MNICS is calling the Ski Trail Fire), which was two acres in size (at the time of posting). Specifically, the fire is located off North Arm Road and Echo Trail.
Around 9 a.m. this morning, MNICS issued an update on the Ski Trail Fire, stating that it is .8 acres and asking the public to avoid the area (including drones). MN DNR firefighters are currently on the scene.
No additional information has been released.
The Ski Trail Fire occurred just days after the Wood Lake wildfire, which was first detected on September 10. Little precipitation in recent weeks has resulted in dry conditions across Northern Minnesota and the US. Currently, there are 67 wildfires burning across the US. The National Fire Preparedness Level is currently at a 5 (the highest level), which means that "national resources are heavily committed."
As of September 12, the Wood Lake fire was 0% contained and three acres in size. Forest Supervisor Tom Hall issued an emergency closure for portions of the BWCAW, which is already in effect. Crews continue to implement "suppression opportunities by strengthening containment lines and scouting for good natural landscape features such as drainages and wetlands to tie into as containment areas. Aircraft are being used to cool the fire and initiate suppression actions with the highest likelihood of success," according to the Forest Service. Ground conditions and access remain difficult.
The Wood Lake wildfire is currently under investigation and thought to be human-caused. No word on potential causes for the Ski Trail fire.
This is a developing story. Boreal Community Media will continue to provide updates as information is released.
Image: Inciweb
Two hours after the initial post from the USFS, the Minnesota Incident Command System (MNICS)
reported that firefighters were responding to the fire (which MNICS is calling the Ski Trail Fire), which was two acres in size (at the time of posting). Specifically, the fire is located off North Arm Road and Echo Trail.
Around 9 a.m. this morning, MNICS issued an update on the Ski Trail Fire, stating that it is .8 acres and asking the public to avoid the area (including drones). MN DNR firefighters are currently on the scene.
No additional information has been released.
The Ski Trail Fire occurred just days after the Wood Lake wildfire, which was first detected on September 10. Little precipitation in recent weeks has resulted in dry conditions across Northern Minnesota and the US. Currently, there are 67 wildfires burning across the US. The National Fire Preparedness Level is currently at a 5 (the highest level), which means that "national resources are heavily committed."
As of September 12, the Wood Lake fire was 0% contained and three acres in size. Forest Supervisor Tom Hall issued an emergency closure for portions of the BWCAW, which is already in effect. Crews continue to implement "suppression opportunities by strengthening containment lines and scouting for good natural landscape features such as drainages and wetlands to tie into as containment areas. Aircraft are being used to cool the fire and initiate suppression actions with the highest likelihood of success," according to the Forest Service. Ground conditions and access remain difficult.
The Wood Lake wildfire is currently under investigation and thought to be human-caused. No word on potential causes for the Ski Trail fire.
This is a developing story. Boreal Community Media will continue to provide updates as information is released.