Forest Service reduces BWCA closures surrounding Wood Lake fire

After a week of battling the Wood Lake fire in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, firefighter crews continue to suppress the fire, maintaining 25 percent containment as of Sept. 16.

The wildfire northeast of Ely was detected on an island on Wood Lake on Sept. 10 at approximately 11 a.m. It is suspected to have been human-caused, according to Forest Service officials.

With recent precipitation and firefighters continuing to reinforce the fire’s containment lines, Forest Service officials said fire activity is minimal, with smoldering and burning into the duff layer.

With minimal fire activity and containment hovering around 25 percent, the Forest Service reduced BWCA closures in the surrounding vicinity, effective 12:01 a.m. on Sept. 17.

“The Wind Lake travel corridor lakes and portages will be lifted off the closure,” Forest Service officials said.

The updated Emergency Forest Closure Order has removed the following:

• Wind Lake
• Wind Bay to Wind Lake portage
• Wind Lake to Washte Lake portage
• Wind Lake to Moose Lake portage

– U.S. Forest Service

Firefighter crews will continue to monitor the Wood Lake fire and use aircraft to cool the fire when conditions are optimal. Forest Service officials said, “Additionally, firefighters continue to analyze contingency planning around the Moose Lake area, planning the wider perimeter area around the fire.”

Kalli Hawkins September 17, 2024