A
watchful eye has been on on the Boundary Waters Canoe Area
since July 4, 1999, when over 400,000 acres of forest were
blown down. A fire broke out this weekend at Alpine
Lake, located just West of the end of the historic Gunflint
Trail and Sea Gull Lake. While this is definitely not
the first fire in the BWCA since the blowdown, the Alpine Lake
Fire may be grabbing more attention as it is in an area that
received some of the worst damage in the '99 blowdown.
August 18, 2005
Fireline and hose lays are now complete on the north flank
of the Alpine Lake Fire. A number of hotspots need to be
mopped-up before the fire can be called contained. A
thunderstorm drove some crews off the lines late Wednesday
afternoon. A welcome 1.9 inches of rain was recorded at the
Seagull Guard Station helping to dampen the fire. Today, crews
will be busy reinforcing fire line. Even though fire activity
is reduced, a lot of work still remains. After nearly two
weeks of fire fighting there is equipment, including 30 miles
of hose to be hauled out, and rehabilitation needs to begin.
Containment is expected by Friday, August 19th, 2005 at
6:00 PM. Some crews will begin to de-mobilize today.
On Wednesday, a fire helicopter crew spotted two people in
a swamped canoe on Seagull Lake. Fire personnel were
dispatched to assist them. Fire personnel were also requested
to assist the sheriff's office with a search and rescue for
two canoeists that were lost Wednesday; they were found
Thursday morning.
Some campsites remain closed on Alpine, Seagull, and Red
Rock Lakes, due to fire operations. The two portages between
Alpine and Seagull Lakes are now open. Rain fell in a narrow
band and some parts of the forest received as little as .02 of
an inch. More rain is expected today. Fire restrictions remain
in effect for the blowdown area of the Superior National
Forest. Restrictions must be observed until they are
officially lifted.
Daily public information meetings continue at the
Blankenburg Landing Fire Hall at 10:00 AM.
