Fire Activity Near Lizard Lake Should Be Minimal Today

Tuesday, August 31, 2010, 9:30 am

Lizard Lake Fire - Gunflint Ranger District

Situation Update – Tuesday, August 31, 2010

Monday was a quiet day on the fire.  (Picture is from Sunday.) The fire received precipitation Monday night.  As forecasted, daytime humidity was higher therefore fire activity and spread were negligible. Weather for Tuesday is calling for some rain and higher humidity.  Fire activity today should again be minimal.  The large CL215 water dropping aircraft were not used on Monday.  A helicopter was used to drop water on hot spots along the northern perimeter of the fire.  The fire continues to be managed, being allowed to play its natural role in the wilderness.   The confinement goals remain the same; to keep the fire south of Dawkins; east of Rib Lake; and west of Lizard Lake.  To date these goals are being met.  Smoke will still be visible from the Gunflint Trail and the volume may increase as the weather dries out.  The fire does not threaten visitor safety.   There are no restrictions or closures as a result of this fire at this time.

Nature and Cause of Incident

Smoke was spotted on 8/26/10 by USFS fire personnel traveling on the Gunflint Trail.  The origin of the fire is believed to be a lightning strike from a thunderstorm 7 – 10 prior.

Location – Size - Fuels

The fire is in the BWCAW approximately 1 ½ miles north of Long Island Lake; 1 mile south of Dawkins Lake.  The size was estimated at 45 acres on Sunday morning, August 29^th.  Fuels in the vicinity include lowland conifers, tamarack and white spruce. 

The fire is not near canoe travel routes and is not a threat to visitor safety or structures.  The closest portages are: the Rib Lake to Lower George Lake Portage which is approximately ¾ mile to the west; and the Lower George to Karl Lake Portage which is approximately 1.5 miles to the SW.  There are no closures or restrictions in the BWCAW as a result of this fire and none are anticipated. 

Management Strategy

Vegetation in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness is part of a fire adapted ecosystem.  This fire is being managed to allow fire to play its natural role in the wilderness.

Contact Information

For current conditions check:

 the Superior National Forest (SNF) website www.fs.usda.gov/superior ;

SNF Information on Boreal News at: www.boreal.org;

 or call the Gunflint Office at 218-387-1750.

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