Forest Service and Gunflint Trail Volunteer Fire Department responded to fire near West Bearskin, Daniels Lakes
On Sunday afternoon, Sept. 22, the Gunflint Trail Volunteer Fire Department (GTVFD) was called on to respond to a fire burning near West Bearskin Lake and Daniels Lake. The U.S. Forest Service is also responded to the fire.
Firefighters began arriving at the fire shortly before 4 p.m.
On Sunday officials estimated the size of the fire at about 4 acres. A statement Monday confirmed that though the fire is under control, some spread occurred, adding an additional 2 acres.
The U.S. Forest Service utilized a helicopter to dump water on the fire from the air. GTVFD Assistant Chief Dan Baumann told WTIP on Sunday evening, “The first firefighters were able to attack the head of the fire and with the help of a helicopter was able to stop growth and control where it at this point.”
Baumann added that the fire appears to have originated near the Daniels Lake shore before moving up a hillside. A central concern was that properties on Clearwater Lake could have been in the line of the fire, if it was left unchecked.
The quick response from the Forest Service and GTVFD controlled the fire. The GTVFD has been released, and Baumann said that the Forest Service will continue “mopping up” on Monday, with the GTVFD ready to assist if needed.
Baumann said that there have been lightening strikes in the area, and that fire risks generally last about 10 days, but that the official cause of the fire is under investigation.
Through a facebook post on Monday, the GTVFD made the following statement:
Yesterday, 9/22 Dan Bauman, Assistant Fire Chief, reported smoke coming from an area between Daniels Lake and the Clearwater Road. USFS and GTVFD crews responded. The fire had burned about four acres mostly creeping in leaves and litter with occasional flare ups. Some suppression was done on the east perimeter of the fire with water bags. A helicopter did a number of water drops to further suppress the fire. USFS crews started walking in around 0800 this morning to continue to work on the fire. GTVFD crews will respond if needed. We expect high humidity and low winds this morning. As of 0838 fire grew about 2 acres overnight. Creeping and flaring. USFS crew is on the fire.
This is a developing story. WTIP will provide updates when they are available.
Latest update 9/23/24, 12:45 p.m.
Kirsten Wisniewski September 22, 2024
