Sunday Morning Update on Lizard Lake Fire Suppression

The US Forest Service has been providing updates on the Lizard Lake fire in the Superior National Forest during the weekend. This latest report came at 10:40 AM, Sunday, August 29.

Lizard Lake Fire - Gunflint Ranger District

Situation Update – Sunday, 8/29/2010
Fire activity increased yesterday afternoon as expected with the warmer temperatures, higher relative humidity, and high winds. The fire (pictured) is spotty and the fire size is estimated at 45 acres at this time. Water drops by helicopter and CL215 aircraft were effective at checking the forward progress of the fire. Water dropping aircraft will be used again on Sunday to cool the northern and eastern perimeter of the fire in preparation for another day of hot, windy weather.

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 lighting strike from a thunderstorm 7 – 10 days ago.

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 is estimated at 45 acres at this time. 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 Information on Boreal News at: www.boreal.org or call the Gunflint Office at 218-387-1750.