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Boreal Community Media

Updated: As high fire danger, burn restrictions continue, two new wildfires are detected: Shell Lake NW of Ely, and Bogus Lake NE of Grand Marais

Oct 09, 2024 10:33AM ● By Content Editor

Photo: Joanne Francis via Unsplash.com

By Laura Durenberger-Grunow - Boreal Community Media - October 9, 2024


As the drought and dry weather continue, so does the threat of wildfires. On October 8, a wildfire was detected near Bogus Lake, approximately 13 miles NE of Grand Marais. When initially detected yesterday, the fire was approximately 10.5 acres in size but has since expanded to 45 acres as of approximately 9:45 am this morning, according to the Fire Weather Avalanche Organization map. The main source of fuel is brush and hardwood litter. Boreal Community Media has been in contact with the MN DNR, which has the main jurisdiction in the area, and will release more information as soon as it is available. 

October 9, 10:30 am update from the US Forest Service/MN DNR:

The USFS and MN DNR told Boreal Community Media that the Bogus Lake Fire is active and expanded overnight. Superior National Forest and MN DNR fire crews, along with aircraft, will continue to utilize suppression efforts today. The cause of the fire is unknown. There are currently no threats.  

Original post continues below:

On Monday, October 7, a wildfire was detected on the eastern side of Shell Lake, which is located 4 miles north of County Road 116 (Echo Trail), or approximately 26 miles NW of Ely, within the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW).

Named the Shell Lake Fire, it is currently .5 acres in size and burning in heavy timber. According to the US Forest Service, "
The fire has some potential to spread to the east near Agawato Lake and a portion of the Sioux-Hustler Hiking Trail. The fire area and surrounding landscape have thick vegetation cover." However, it is currently creeping and smoldering, with an occasional single tree scorching. 

 Image: USFS


Due to the nature of this fire, 
Forest Supervisor Tom Hall issued an Emergency Forest Order, which prohibits entry on the Sioux-Hustler Trail loop (Sioux-Hustler Trail from entry point to Devil’s Cascade still open), Agawato Lake with one campsite on the lake, and two campsites on the eastern side of Shell Lake. The closure went into effect beginning at 12 pm on October 8. 

The cause of the fire is suspected to be human-caused, although an official investigation has not begun. 

 Shell Lake Fire. Photo courtesy of USFS. 


As of October 9, Cook and Lake Counties are currently experiencing high or very high fire danger, and are under elevated burn restrictions. Campfires are restricted in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, Superior National Forest, Grand Portage Band of Lake Superior Chippewa lands, and other private entities. No burning permits are currently being issued by the MN DNR. 

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