United States Forest Service crew battles a fire
As of this writing there is a fire burning in the Pagami Creek area of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW). The fire is approximately 14 miles east of Ely between South Kawishiwi River, Clearwater Lake, and Lake One. As of August 31, 2011 about 130 acres have burned, and while the fire has moderated the Forest Service will allow additional acres to burn.
The Forest Service strategy is to let this fire burn as long as it is not threatening BWCAW campsites, portages, or private properties to the north. Controlled burn strategies are common when fires are started naturally and don’t pose risk to life or property. As this fire burns it is removing or reducing much of the fuel that is lying on the ground; by eliminating that now, future fires won’t have fuel to burn.
The Pagami Creek fire is well under control with 105 fire personnel on scene managing the fire in places, and mopping up on the north end. Air reconnaissance continues in an effort to monitor the fire, and Bombardier CL-215’s are flying in water drops to the appropriate areas. Additionally, safety crews are in the area to contact and inform BWCAW travelers about the fire. If the fire were to spread into areas where people or property were in danger these personnel are ready to take a more aggressive approach to putting out the fire.
The Forest Service is reporting no BWCAW closures as of this time. Visitors to the BWCAW are asked to avoid this area and let the fire burn through its natural course. The Forest Service is working to develop short and long-term plans so all visitors can enjoy the area. This controlled burn and others like it will help keep the forest healthy for years to come.
And while you may see and/or smell smoke please keep your canoe packs safe, give the firefighters some room, and stay clear of the Pagami Creek area until the fire has burned itself out.
To see a photo of a Bombardier CL-215 click here.
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