What About the Pagami Creek Fire?
The fat lady is almost ready to sing. Just 9% more to go until the fire is 100% contained. Cost to date for the fire is $21,600,000.
TODAY’S MESSAGE: The fire remains 92,682 acres and 91% containment. Strong winds continue to hamper both crew removal and equipment haul back from the fire lines. Yesterday fire crews continued to work on line construction in the Ferne Lake and Bog Lake areas. The remaining areas of the fire are in patrol status. Crews and resources continue to be released. The Tomahawk Spike Camp has been closed down. Providing for firefighter and public safety is a primary concern, and plans are in place to bring crews in to camp if necessary. Cold, wet and windy weather will continue through today. Northwest winds are expected to increase with gusts to 15 mph by this afternoon. Afternoon temperatures are expected to be 36-41 degrees. ACTIVITIES TODAY · Depending on weather conditions, crews will be hauling un-needed equipment out of the fire area. · On the Southwestern portions, line construction and reinforcement of existing lines will continue in the Bog Lake area. WEATHER: Cool temperatures are expected today with a high of 36-41 degrees. Relative humidity is expected to be between around 59-64%. Winds will be NW at 7-10 mph, with gusts up to 15 mph. AREA/ROAD CLOSURES: In light of extended cool weather and precipitation, the Forest Service is re-opening some areas of the Superior National Forest for public use. Effective 12:01 am Tuesday, October 18, 2011, most of the previously closed area outside of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW) will be open. A section of the BWCAW including the Lady Chain and north to, and including, the Kekekabic Hiking Trail will also be re-opened. These areas were closed due to activity in around the Pagami Creek Fire. A small portion of the BWCAW, including the Pow Wow Hiking Trail, and forest Road 377 leading to Forest Center will remain closed. The Forest Service asks that visitors take care traveling in the re-opened areas as fire crews may still be working there. For maps, lists and updates regarding closures and restrictions please see the Superior National Forest website: www.fs.usda.gov/goto/superior/home or www.inciweb.org/incident/2534 or contact a local Superior National Forest office for more information. FIRE RESTRICTIONS: There are currently no fire restrictions. LOCATION: The fire started approximately 13 miles east of Ely. CAUSE: Lightning DETECTED: August 18, 2011 Costs to date: $21,400,000 RESOURCES: There are currently 256 personnel assigned to the incident. Resources include: 3 hotshot (Type 1) crews, 2 Type 2 crews, 2 engines, 3 camp crews and other personnel. The following air resources are available: 1 Type 1 helicopter, 4 Type 3 helicopters, and three Beaver aircraft on floats. The Eastern Area Type Two Team is in command of the Pagami Creek fire.
Basic Information
Incident Type | Wildfire |
---|---|
Cause | Lightning |
Date of Origin | Thursday August 18th, 2011 approx. 12:00 AM |
Location | Began In the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, approximately 14 miles east of Ely. |
Incident Commander | Paul Kollmeyer |
Current Situation
Total Personnel | 230 |
---|---|
Size | 92,682 acres |
Percent Contained | 91% |
Fuels Involved |
10 Timber (litter and understory) FM10, TU2 |
Fire Behavior |
Smoldering fire |
Significant Events |
Rain, snow showers and cold temperatures slowed progress on back haul of equipment and movement of crews in the wilderness area. |
Outlook
Planned Actions |
Crews in Div. D/E will continue with back haul. Crews will continue to construct line on the southern side of the fire near Bog Lake. |
---|---|
Growth Potential |
Low |
Terrain Difficulty |
High |
Remarks |
Cloudy, cold temperatures are expected to moderate somewhat by the latter portion of the week enabling increased use of aviation resources on the fire. |
Current Weather
Wind Conditions | 7-9 mph NW |
---|---|
Temperature | 43 degrees |
Humidity | 79% |