The U.S. Forest Service announced seven new wildfires in the Superior National Forest on July 8, most of them inside the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW). The agency attributes at least three of the fires to lightning strikes; the causes of the others are listed as unknown or have not been reported.
July 9 Update:
The fires
Camp Fire (outside BWCAW) — 2 acres, approximately 8 miles north/northeast of Ely, burning in heavy timber with pockets of blowdown. Fire activity was creeping and smoldering, and two single-engine aircraft made multiple water drops to slow the spread. Three firefighters have worked their way into the fire, with more preparing to join them for full suppression. 0% contained.
Bear Trap Fire (BWCAW) — one-tenth of an acre, along the Bear Trap River north of Sunday Lake, in a remote primitive management area with very difficult access. Reported as a single-tree lightning strike with wispy smoke and minimal fire activity. Firefighters are assessing access and suppression options. 0% contained.
Thumb Fire (BWCAW) — one-tenth of an acre, by Thumb and Contentment lakes south of Lac La Croix, with difficult access. Reported as a single-tree lightning strike with minimal fire activity. Firefighters are strategizing access and suppression. 0% contained.
Section 3 Pond Fire (BWCAW) — three-quarters of an acre, on Section Pond east of Lac La Croix, just south of the Canadian border. Fire activity was reported as minimal; two firefighters are on scene using direct extinguishment, with two more joining them. 0% contained.
Newton Fire (BWCAW) — approximately one-quarter of an acre, west of Newton Lake near Jackfish Bay. Reported as a single-tree lightning strike; two firefighters are conducting direct suppression. 0% contained.
Echo 2 Fire — reported at 0.10 acre, located by aerial detection on July 8 on the LaCroix Ranger District. 100% contained as of July 9; firefighters will continue mop-up and cooling hot spots.
Fools Gold Fire — 1 acre, spotted by aerial detection on the afternoon of July 8. Firefighters and resources are on scene conducting suppression operations. 0% contained.
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Causes
The Forest Service attributes the Bear Trap, Thumb, and Newton fires to lightning — each was reported as a single-tree lightning strike. The agency lists the causes of the Camp and Section 3 Pond fires as unknown; InciWeb also lists the Fools Gold Fire’s cause as unknown, and no cause has been listed for the Echo 2 Fire.
Closures
According to the Forest Service, there are currently no fire closures within the BWCAW, but the public is asked to stay out of the fire areas for their own safety and that of firefighters. The agency notes that unauthorized drone flights threaten firefighter safety and suppression efforts, are not allowed near the fire areas, and are illegal in federally designated wilderness.
Suppression efforts
According to the July 8 release, suppression in the BWCAW will use minimum-impact tactics whenever possible, with firefighters using natural features such as lowlands and shorelines for containment lines, hand tools, and water bags to cool hot spots when conditions allow.
Acreage figures reflect current estimates and may change as crews assess the fires. No information on evacuations was included in these reports.
We will update this story as the Forest Service releases new information.
More information:
- Superior National Forest Fire Information (USDA Forest Service)
- Superior National Forest Incident Information (USDA Forest Service)
- InciWeb incident pages: Camp Fire | Bear Trap Fire | Thumb Fire | Section 3 Pond Fire | Newton Fire | Echo 2 Fire | Fools Gold Fire
- Superior National Forest Facebook Page
- Northern News Now: UPDATE: Seven wildfires reported in Superior National Forest
- WTIP: Firefighters continue suppression efforts on seven Superior National Forest wildfires