Pagami Creek Fire update: Wed Sept. 14

The Pagami Creek Fire has now burned more than 100,000 acres and 156 square miles of forest across Lake County and the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness.

Acreage increased yesterday due in large part to improved mapping of the fire perimeter as the smoke cleared. The fire did push farther south, exiting the southern Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW) boundary about one mile in a wavering line. Despite gusting winds, there was limited fire growth due to lower temperatures and higher humidity. The US Forest Service says crews were very effective in continuing to hold the northwest corner of the fire.

Areas around the fire were assessed and additional BWCAW and road closures were enacted. The National Guard is sending four Blackhawk helicopters and Manitoba is sending two water bombers and an air attack plane. Approximately 170 people attended a community meeting in Ely yesterday evening. About 40 people attended a meeting in Grand Marais Tuesday evening.

Containment efforts are ongoing with heavy equipment stationed outside the wilderness along the southern perimeter of the fire. Crews are patrolling lines and monitoring for any hot spots. Airplanes and helicopters are being used to drop water to slow the spread of the fire. A Community meeting will be held tonight at the Schroeder Town Hall at 7 p.m.

Much of the eastern BWCAW has been closed, with the only open access points north and west of Ely and northeast of the Gunflint Trail. Many forest roads have also been closed.

Isabella residents have been told to prepare for possible evacuation. So far, 36 homes and businesses have been evacuated along County Road 7 just to the north of Isabella. A shelter for evacuees has been set up at the Finland Community Center. Another 240 structures are under stand-by evacuation orders.

According to USFS Public Information Officer Lisa Radosevich-Craig, the fire was not expected to spread significantly today due to cooler temperatures and moisture.

A fire ban remains in effect for the BWCAW during the day, with campfires allowed only from 6 p.m to midnight, and only in approved fire grates and fire rings.

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources has imposed a fire ban in all areas of northern Minnesota. The temporary burning restrictions mean the state will not give out burning permits for burning brush or yard waste until conditions improve. Small campfires in developed campfire pits or structures are allowed.

Smoke may be heavy and wide-spread depending on wind direction. The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency has issued an advisory for people who live downwind, from Silver Bay through Grand Marais to Grand Portage, to limit their outdoor activities to avoid health issues from smoke and ash.