Small fire in Daniels Lake in the BWCAW

Hopefully the rain we received along with the storm on Friday will lessen the fire danger in the BWCAW.  Until then everyone should use caution with campfires and make sure they are dead out before leaving even if it’s just a day trip.

We’re lucky we are able to have campfires in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area most of the time. I was visiting with Mike’s cousin who lives in Oregon now and she said they aren’t allowed to have any open fires during the summer months because of the potential of fire. It’s been awhile since we’ve had a fire ban on the Gunflint Trail and we’ll keep our fingers crossed we can keep it that way.

UPDATE: At 6 p.m. WTIP received an update from the Forest Service. 

According to Patty Johnson, Fire Management Officer on Gunflint and Tofte Ranger District, the fire is approximately 20×20 ft. in size. Additionally, the blaze was started by lightning, according to Johnson.

As of 6 p.m., there is no official word on containment of the fire and crews are still working on the scene, Johnson said. 

Original story below

There is a wildfire burning on Daniels Lake in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. Volunteer firefighters from the Gunflint Trail and a team from Camp Menogyn initially responded at fire halls on the Gunflint at 11:40 Friday morning. Forest Service firefighters traveled to the scene and took the lead on responding to the fire.

There is no immediate word on what started the fire. The blaze was active with at least one tree in flames at 11:50 a.m. Friday, according to reports from volunteer firefighters on the Gunflint Trail. 

This is a developing story. Check back for updates.

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