Update: Wildfire in the BWCAW is controlled

According to Patrick Johnson, the assistant fire management officer for the Gunflint and Tofte Districts on the Superior National Forest, the fire near Ogishkemuncie Lake is now considered controlled. 

FMO Johnson said the crews that were camping on site stayed through this morning, Friday, August 3 to monitor and mop up any smoldering vegetation. Crews are paddling back across Seagull Lake today. 

August 1, 2018
WTIP was contacted Aug. 1 by the U.S. Forest Service with an update on the wildfire burning in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness about six miles southwest of Seagull Lake.
According to Patrick Johnson, the assistant fire management officer for the Gunflint and Tofte Districts on the Superior National Forest, Tuesday night's rain showers, which continued into Wednesday morning,  played a major role in helping out with containment efforts. The rain didn’t do enough to completely extinguish the fire, but it dramatically reduced any threat the fire posed, Johnson said.
“We’re making really good progress on containing the fire,” Johnson said. “The rain did nothing but help.”
A crew of 10 firefighters is currently camped on Ogishkemuncie Lake while containment efforts continue. They will likely remain on the site until this weekend, Johnson said.
On July 30, a lightning-caused wildfire was detected on the south/southwest side of  Ogishkemuncie Lake. Until last night’s rain showers, the fire had been creeping and smoldering in a mix of conifer and hardwood trees. 
Johnson said this area is a travel route in the BWCA, so please be mindful of fire crews if you’re traveling through the area. You may also encounter aircraft in the area. Firefighter and public safety are the most important priorities in all wildfire response, Johnson said, and due to the remote setting of this fire, the suppression efforts will be undertaken deliberately with life safety in mind.
There are no closures in or near the Boundary Waters at this time as a result of the fire.