A third wildfire has started in the Superior National Forest. USFS crews discovered the Bogus Lake fire in northeastern Minnesota on Tuesday, October 8, 2024. The fire has burned approximately 53 acres and remains active. Firefighters from the Superior National Forest and MN DNR have responded with aircraft and personnel to assist with suppression efforts. The fire is 12 miles northeast of Grand Marais and 5 miles northwest of Judge C. R. Magney State Park. The cause remains unknown and there are no threats in the immediate vicinity.
Additionally, unseasonably dry weather has raised the risk of wildfires, prompting the Forest Service to issue a fire ban in the Superior National Forest. The ban prohibits people from lighting, building, or using campfires, charcoal grills, barbecues, and wood or coal-burning stoves. However, gas or propane cook stoves are allowed.
Overview of wildfires within the BWCAW
The Wood Lake wildfire, discovered on Tuesday, September 10, 2024, remains active. Covering 34 acres, it is 50% contained. An Emergency Forest Order 09-09-24-07 prohibits visitors from entering Wood Lake, Entry Point #26, and the surrounding areas.
On October 8, 2024, firefighters detected a wildfire on the eastern side of Shell Lake within the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW). The USFS issued an Emergency Forest Order 09-09-24-10, which remains in effect until further notice.
Shell Lake Restricted Areas
Closure areas are located north of Sioux River (north), Entry Point #14, and Sioux-Hustler Trail, Entry Point #15. As a result, visitors are encouraged to stay out of the area. The Shell Lake Fire is approximately 1/2 acre in size and burning in mixed boreal forest. Aircraft has been on the scene and crews are on the ground assessing the area for further action. It is suspected to be human-caused, however, an official fire investigation has not occurred at this time.
- Sioux-Hustler Trail loop (Sioux-Hustler Trail from entry point to Devil’s Cascade still open)
- Agwato Lake (campsite on the southeast end of lake is closed)
- Two campsites on the eastern side of Shell Lake are closed
Fire danger is high
The potential for fire is high across northern Minnesota. The Forest Service urges visitors to stay cautious. “We have seen warmer and drier conditions across much of the Superior National Forest, especially within the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. We want the recreating public to be safe as they enjoy the Forest,” said Tom Hall, Superior National Forest Supervisor. Visitors can find current updates on wildfire activity at InciWeb.
More info:
- InciWeb – Bogus Lake Fire Info
- USFS – Superior National Forest – Alerts & Warnings
- Wildfire detected near Bogus Lake in Cook County, the third wildfire in Superior National Forest – The Minnesota Star Tribune
- Forest Service closes area on Shell Lake fire – The Ely Echo
Wilderness guide and outdoorswoman Pam Wright has been exploring wild places since her youth. Remaining curious, she has navigated remote lakes in Canada by canoe, backpacked some of the highest mountains in the Sierra Nevada, and completed a thru-hike of the Superior Hiking Trail. Her professional roles include working as a wilderness guide in northern Minnesota and providing online education for outdoor enthusiasts.