Boundary Waters Fire Update September 28, 2011

PAGAMI CREEK FIRE
  Wednesday, September 28, 2011

                                                   Phone: 218-365-3177, 8:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.   E-mail: PIOPagamiFire@gmail.com
                                                   Website: www.inciweb.org/incident/2534     
                                                   Photos: https://picasaweb.google.com/112717872039965407359



TODAY’S MESSAGE: The Pagami Creek Fire is now 61% contained, and the size remains at 93,459 acres.  Infrared technology is being used to assist firefighters with suppression efforts.  Infrared identifies heat along the fire perimeter allowing firefighters to focus on those areas where hot spots still exist.  As fuels continue to dry, an increase in fire activity is expected and smoke may become more visible. Today firefighters will focus on reinforcing containment lines in preparation for possible strong winds tonight and Thursday.  Aircraft will be used throughout the day to drop water on the portions of unlined fire perimeter to lessen the chance of fire movement when winds arrive.

ACTIVITIES TODAY:
·         Spot fire detection, line construction and mop up continue along the fire perimeter.
·         Rehabilitation continues along dozer lines outside of the Wilderness Area.
·         Air support continues to provide water drops on hot spots and cargo to crews in spike camps along the north and east perimeters of the fire.

WEATHER AND FIRE BEHAVIOR: Today’s weather forecast calls for continued warm and dry weather as a ridge of high pressure moves into the region.  Temperatures are predicted to be in the mid to high 70s. Winds will be calm in the morning but increasing in the afternoon becoming west southwest 7-11 mph.  Wind gusts reaching 14-18 mph are expected.  A cold front will pass through the area late tonight bringing a chance of rain, cooler temperatures and strong northwesterly winds.  Dry weather and gradually warming temperatures are expected over the weekend.

AREA/ROAD CLOSURES: Some Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness entry points remain closed for day and overnight use. To see the updated closure, please visit www.fs.usda.gov/goto/superior/home.

Highway 1 is open. The following roads, trails, and areas are closed: FR 381 north from the intersection with FR 377 (Tomahawk Rd.) and all areas north and east of FR 381; FR 373 (Northwest Rd.) south from FR 377 to the intersection of FR 369 and all areas north and east of this route; FR 369 east from the intersection of FR 369 and FR 373 to the intersection of FR 369 and Lake County Rd. 7 (Cramer Rd./Windy Lake Rd.) including all areas north of this route; all areas to the west of Lake County Rd. 7 (CR 7) between the intersections with FR 369 and FR 354 (CR 7 is open for travel); and FR 354 north from the intersection with Lake CR 7 and all areas west of FR 354.

LOCATION: The fire started approximately 13 miles east of Ely.   

CAUSE: Lightning    

DETECTED: August 18, 2011

RESOURCES: There are currently 708 personnel assigned to the incident.  Resources include: 10 hotshot (Type 1) crews, 7 Type 2 crews, 4 engines, 2 water tenders, 4 camp crews and other personnel. The following air resources are available: two Type 1 helicopters, two Type 3 helicopters, two scoopers (or water bombers), one scooper lead plane, and three Beaver aircraft on floats.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
Area closures and burning restrictions: www.fs.usda.gov/goto/superior/home
Smoke conditions: www.pca.state.mn.us

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Pagami Creek Fire
Public Information
218-365-3177