Section of Gunflint Trail in pre-evacuation status due to BWCA wildfire

Superior National Forest Supervisor Connie Cummins said Monday night that the John Ek Fire continued to grow this afternoon. Property owners from Seagull Lake to the south end of Loon Lake along the Gunflint Trail are now in pre-evacuation status. 

The Cook County Sheriff’s Office is recommending that residents and visitors be in “ready” mode in case of eventual evacuation. 
 
This is not an evacuation order. If there is an evacuation, the sheriff’s office will go door-to-door to inform residents and visitors this is happening. Click here to learn more. 
 
The John Ek Fire started the day 2.5 miles south of Little Saganaga Lake and extends from John Ek Lake to the southeast corner of Elton Lake. It is south of Seagull Lake, west of Tuscarora Lake and north of Sawbill Lake.
 
Cummins said during a town hall meeting at the Wolf Ridge Environmental Learning Center in Finland that the Ek Fire was about 3,000 acres. Later estimates Monday night by the Forest Service said the fire was closer to 1,500 acres.
 
Cook County Emergency Management Director Mike Keyport shared an update in the pre-evacuation plan with the Cook County Board of Commissioners during a meeting Aug. 24. The audio below is from Tuesday’s board meeting.