Wildfire burning in Quetico brings smoke to the Gunflint Trail

There is a wildfire burning near Ottertrack Lake just north of the United States border in Quetico Provincial Park.  The fire is about 40 acres in size as of 6:30 p.m., according to reports shared with WTIP, North Shore Community Radio. 

Patty Johnson, the fire management officer on the Gunflint district for the US Forest Service, told WTIP there is little cause for concern at this time regarding the fire. There are no structures at risk as the fire is contained entirely within Quetico.

The fire is burning to the north, with its core being approximately four miles west of Saganaga Lake, a popular border lake at the end of the Gunflint Trail.

Some residents of the Gunflint Trail could see smoke as a result of this fire. Park staff, the US Forest Service and the Cook County Sheriff’s Office are aware of the fire.

There is an expected rainfall of 2-4 inches in the border lakes area by the end of the weekend. This, and southerly winds are expected to contain the fire, according to Johnson.  The fire will be allowed to take its natural course at this time, she added.

The cause of the fire is unknown at this time.