Small fire in BWCAW being monitored near Gaskin Lake - updated Wed., June 15

The Gaskin Lake fire grew three acres Tuesday for a total of six acres.  The fire backed into the wind along the peninsula.  Primarily a surface fire, it is burning in the understory of the canopy, with occasional single tree torching.  During the afternoon hours of the June 14, one small spot fire was detected on the north side of Gaskin Lake and was contained with water drops.  

The current strategy is to allow the fire to burn to the south and west of Gaskin Lake while limiting fire spread on the north side.  The Forest Service continues assessing weather forecasts while monitoring the fire’s behavior in order to adjust appropriate strategy.

A fly-over flight is scheduled for this morning, Wednesday June 15.  An updated map and photos will be posted later today.

The Gunflint District received information on a wildfire in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness on Monday night, June 13, 2011. The fire is located on a small peninsula on the southwest end of Gaskin Lake where it was first detected by campers at about 8:00 in the evening.

Fire personnel completed a reconnaissance flight early Tuesday morning to determine the agency’s response to the fire. According to the Forest Service the fire is currently about three acres in size and smoldering in a mix of white pine cedar and hardwoods and is not expanding in size. Wind conditions for the next few days are expected to be toward Gaskin Lake and as a result the fire is not expected to enlarge significantly.

The fire management response will be to monitor the fire and not take any direct action. There is one aircraft in the area today and the pilot will be routinely monitoring the fire. There is also a wilderness crew on Gaskin Lake to talk to wilderness visitors and provide a surface level review of the fire. The Forest Service says, “Our response could change if conditions warrant.”