Boundary Waters Fire Update, Warm Weather increases fire activity

Pagami Creek Fire
Wednesday, October 5, 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 record high temperatures and dry, windy conditions are forecasted for the Pagami Creek Fire area through the end of the week. Fire activity has the potential to increase as a result of this forecast. There may be increased smoke in the area as fire activity increases (especially on the east side). The Superior National Forest has expanded closures for areas adjacent to the Pagami Creek Fire as a precautionary measure to provide for public safety. Hot spots outside the fire perimeter continue to be located and contained. Crews are being moved in anticipation of stronger southerly winds expected on Thursday and Friday. Additional air resources (two CL215 water scooping aircraft and one Type 1 helicopter) are assigned to the fire and will become available through the day as they arrive.

ACTIVITIES TODAY:
·         On the West and Northwest portions of the fire crews will patrol, mop-up existing lines and back haul unneeded equipment. Some crews will be moved east to assist with line construction.
·         On the Northeast and East portions of the fire, 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 continues.
·         On the Southwestern portions, line construction will continue between Superstition and Bog Lakes.
·         All crews will be checking outside the line for hot spots that are being detected as the warmer weather and increased winds continue.
·         Air resources will continue to provide support to firefighters on the ground.

WEATHER: Dry and warm weather with increasing winds is forecast over the fire through the week. High temperature today is expected to be 76oF with winds out of the southeast at 5 to 11 mph with gusts to 21 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 463 personnel assigned to the incident. Resources include: 9 hotshot (Type 1) crews, 2 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/