Thursday, October 6, 2011

Boundary Waters Fire Update October 6

Pagami Creek Fire
Thursday, October 6, 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 remains at 92,682 acres and is 71% contained. Near red flag conditions (low humidities,high temps and high winds) are forecasted for western St. Louis County this does not include the Pagami Creek fire area although it will experience near red flag conditions. The red flag extends into Friday.  Fire activity has the potential to increase as a result of this forecast and there is a potential for unburned islands of fuel within the fire perimeter to ignite.

There may be increased smoke in the area as fire activity increases (especially on the east and north sides). The Superior National Forest  expanded closures on Tuesday for areas adjacent to the Pagami Creek Fire as a precautionary measure to provide for public safety.  The Governor ordered a National Guard helicopter with two paramedics to be stationed in Ely. They will arrive by noon.today. This helicopter will be staged in case serious injuries may require medevac from the wilderness.


ACTIVITIES TODAY:
·         On the West and Northwest portions of the fire crews will patrol, mop-up existing lines and back haul unneeded equipment.
·         On the Northeast and East portions of the fire, hose-lays and line construction will continue as well as patrol and mop-up of previously constructed line. 
·         On the Southern portions near Isabella patrol, mop-up and line improvement and rehab continues.
·         On the Southwestern portions, line construction will continue between the Isabella River and Bog Lakes.
·         As the warmer weather and increased winds continue, all crews will be checking hot spots that are being detected outside the existing line.  Suppression forces will take a proactive approach in using aircraft to cool hot spots.
·         On the southeast portion of the fire crews will be adding a secondary line in an area where several hot spots have been found outside of the existing line. (Ferne Lake area)

WEATHER: Dry and warm weather with increasing winds is forecast over the fire through the week. High temperature today is expected to be 79oF with winds out of the southeast at 6 to 14 mph with gusts to 26 mph.

AREA/ROAD CLOSURES: The Superior National Forest has expanded closures for areas adjacent to the Pagami Creek Fire as a precautionary measure to provide for public safety. Travel along Lake County 7 and FR 369, FR 373 and FR 377 is open. The area between these roads and the fire is closed. To see the updated list of closures and closure map, please visit www.fs.usda.gov/goto/superior/home or www.inciweb.org/incident/2534.



FIRE RESTRICTIONS: The Superior National Forest has lifted all campfire restrictions. For more information, please visit www.fs.usda.gov/goto/superior/home.

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

CAUSE: Lightning

DETECTED: August 18, 2011

RESOURCES: There are currently 436 personnel assigned to the incident. Resources include: 8 hotshot (Type 1) crews, 3 Type 2 crews, 3 engines, 0 dozers, 1 water tenders, 2 camp crews and other personnel. The following air resources are available: 2 Type 1 helicopters, 3 Type 3 helicopters, 2 CL 215, and three Beaver aircraft on floats.

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

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