July 4, 2002 - Cook County Star

On the evening of Wednesday, July 3 a lightning strike fire grew from approximately 80 acres to 400 acres overnight. The fire, dubbed the "Tuesday Fire" was spotted on July 2 in a section of dead balsam on private land near the Powers Lake Road and the Camp 20 Road in the Hovland area. On the early afternoon of July 3, Department of Natural Resources Information Officer Ron Sanow said the Tuesday Fire was 90% contained and there were no advancing flames. However, later in the evening, the wind rows of dead balsam slash burned very hot and high winds from the north west blew embers out of the containment area. Three CL-215s and the smaller helicopter worked most of the afternoon until dark trying to keep the Tuesday Fire contained. About 5:00 p.m. an additional aircraft was requested from Canada, a CL-415 was sent and worked on the fire until dark. A total of 151 airdrops were done through the night. Additional crews arrived to aid in suppression on July 4 and about 135 people were working on the fire. Information Officer Marty Christensen said the fire was only 20% contained. It is burning in Grand Portage State Forest. He said a burnout operation this morning will produce a visible column of smoke. He cautioned that there will be heavy traffic and lots of dust on the Arrowhead Trail. Please drive carefully in these areas.

 
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