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 Saturday, July 6th 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 20th, 2005
Alpine Lake Fire at
100% Containment
The Alpine Lake Fire in the BWCAW is currently at 1335
acres with a reported 100% containment. MNICS Incident
Management Team B is assigned to this fire and will conduct
the closeout meeting on Monday. At that time, the incident
will be turned over to a Type 3 team. Total personnel, crews
and overhead for the Alpine Lake Fire are reported at 145.
Prognosis: Most areas have received rain this week. Moderate
temps today with 10-20 mph winds.
The 1.6 to 1.9 inches of rain that fell
on the Alpine Lake Fire Wednesday night has slowed the fire
behavior down to smoldering hot spots. Minimal smoke was
observed yesterday though many roots and stumps may still hold
heat. The fire is now 93% contained with full containment
expected by 6pm this evening. Crews have begun the arduous
task of removing more then 30 miles of fire hose, numerous
pumps, and other fire fighting equipment and supplies. Crew
safety remains a concern, as snags, wet ground, heavy loads,
and exhaustion increase the potential for injuries.
The two portages between Seagull and
Alpine Lake were opened Thursday. The portages from Seagull to
Grandpa and Grandpa to Roy Lake remain closed. Sprinklers will
be left in place between Seagull and Roy Lakes for now. More
campsites will be opened today as firefighters are
demobilized.
Today mop-up of hotspots and equipment
recovery continue. Significant demobilization begins at 8 am
today. On Monday, August 22 the Type 2 Overhead Team will hand
the incident over to a Type 3 Team. The new team will continue
rehabilitation work and patrolling for hotspots.
Daily public information meetings
continue through today at the Blankenburg Landing Fire Hall at
10:00 AM.
Fire Facts:
Date Started: 8/06/2005
Cause: Lightning
Current Size: 1335 acres
Location: NE MN, near the
end of the Gunflint Trail between Alpine, Seagull, Red
Rock and Grandpa Lakes
Injuries to Date: three -
one twisted ankle, one broken finger, one strained knee
Cooperating Agencies:
Gunflint VFD, National Wx Service, MN DOT, Interagency
crews from MN, WV, IN, OH, and MO
Fire Restrictions: Level II
- Use of campfires or wood/charcoal burning stoves is
not allowed in restricted areas at any time, with the
exception of fire grates at Trails End, Iron Lake, East
Bearskin and Flour Lake ONLY.Gas or propane cook stoves are allowed any time
of day.For
additional information call 218-387-3221.
