Pagami Fire Not Affecting the Gunflint Trail

     It’s been business as usual at Voyageur Canoe Outfitters since the Pagami Creek Fire began.  Groups have been paddling and camping in the Boundary Waters and Quetico Park and we’ve had guests staying in our cabins.  We haven’t had smoke on the Gunflint Trail for days and guests are reporting great times on their canoe trips.

     We have had to make some last minute changes to guests entry points but for the most part it’s been like a normal fall. As with other falls we do have a total fire ban in effect but camp stoves may still be used.  We’re confident the Pagami Creek Fire will not come close to the Gunflint Trail and that entry points on the west side of the Gunflint Trail will be opening back up soon.  Look how far the fire is from the Gunflint Trail!

Pagami Creek Fire Map

     Cooler temperatures, forecasted rain and over 500 firefighters with enough air support to win World War 3 have helped control the Pagami.  It’s 11% contained and crews are working diligently to dig lines, lay hose and protect structures.  Other fires have started due to the dry weather but they are being put out immediately because of the high fire danger.  With rain today and rain in the forecast it looks like we’ll be having a wonderful fall on the Gunflint Trail.

Recent Fires:
Gunflint District Fires
  • Lake 12 Fire, is a human caused fire, it is located near Greenwood Lake.  It is 1.5 acre fire.  It has had ground suppression work and is currently being monitored for any smoke daily.
  • Skipper Fire, it is lightening caused fire, it is 1.5 acres in size and in the BWCAW, and it was reported by recreationists who greeted ground suppression forces upon arrival.  It is being monitored for any smoke daily.
  • Seagull Road Fire, is a fire caused by last Monday’s lightning storm.  It is 7 acres in size and has received suppression actions by ground resources.  It is being monitored for any smoke daily.
  • Lullaby Fire, It is one half the way up the Gunflint Trail and in the BWCAW.  It is a lightning caused fire.  It was detected by air detection and received several aerial water drops and is being monitored for any smoke daily.
Tofte District Fires
  • Kelso Island Fire, the cause of this fire has not been determined yet, it is one tenth of an acre in size on a small island in Kelso Lake. It is being monitored for any smoke daily.
  • Little Bear Fire, this is a lightning fire, 14 acres in size that occurred in a 60 to 70 year old red pine planting. It is being monitored for any smoke daily.
  • Horn Fire, this is a one tenth acre fire that was caused by lightning.  It is located on the edge of the BWCAW and north of Crescent Lake. Suppression efforts included aerial water drops and it is being monitored for any smoke daily.
  • Nine Mile Lake Fire.  This is a human caused fire on private property, on an island in Nine Mile Lake.  Suppression efforts included aerial water drops and it is being monitored for any smoke daily.
  • Van Lake Fire, This is a lightning caused fire in the middle of the BWCAW wilderness two miles south of Kek Lake and two mile west of Little Sag.  It is seven acres in size; it received aerial water drops and is being monitored daily for any smoke.