Wood Lake Fire Facts Sheet
Date: September 11, 2024 11:00 AM
Fire Information and Location: On Tuesday, September 10, 2024, around 11:00 a.m. a fire was detected on an island of Wood Lake, which is located north of County Road 18, within the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW) of the Superior National Forest (NF). The fire is located in Township 64, Range 10, Section 26 on National Forest System land.
Description: The fire is approximately 3-5 acres and is burning in timber with a heavy, dead balsam fir component. It is suspected to be human caused; however, an official fire investigation has not occurred yet. Initial aircraft fire size up showed the fire creeping, smoldering, and burning in deep duff. The fire spotted off the island to a ridgetop and began to torch and exhibit active fire behavior. The fire area and surrounding landscape has thick vegetation and a significant amount of spruce budworm infested balsam fir.
Current Status and Resources: As of this morning, the fire was creeping, smoldering, and holding in place due to good overnight relative humidity levels and light to no winds. Above average temperatures and drought conditions continue across the Superior National Forest and fire area. Increased winds are expected for the Thursday- Friday.
The Superior National Forest is utilizing aircraft to cool the fire and initiate suppression actions with the highest likelihood of success. Firefighters are working on full suppression tactics; however, ground conditions and access are difficult. Additional aircraft have been ordered to assist with the fire as they become available. Wildfire smoke from Canada is also present in the area. The National Preparedness Level is current at 5-or the highest level; thus, firefighting suppression resources are limited.
Closures and further information: Due to safety concerns, BWCAW Entry Point #26 permittees have been contacted. This is an ever-changing event, and we ask the traveling public to stay away from the area and seek alternate routes. To stay up to date, please sign up for Superior NF Fire Information notices and news. For the safety of firefighting resources, no drones are allowed near the fire area.
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