Spice Lake Fire in BWCAW now 80 percent contained

Despite the dry conditions and lack of precipitation, fire crews have had success suppressing the Spice Lake Fire in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW), which was first detected on June 13. 

Spice Lake is located east of Knife and Kekekabic Lakes and southwest of Seagull Lake, and approximately 10 miles west of the Gunflint Trail.

According to a statement from the U.S. Forest Service, the Spice Lake Fire is approximately 22 acres in size and 80 percent contained as of the morning of June 19.

The fire was initially determined to be human-caused and is still under investigation. 

Forest Service crews report minimal fire activity, with creeping and smoldering in mixed timber and brush. Fire crews are mopping up and ensuring the fire perimeter lines hold with the potential for increased winds later this week. Firefighters are working with on-site resource advisors to ensure wilderness values, long-term ecosystem health, and impacts on wilderness are minimized. 

The nineteen-person hotshot crew that has been working on the fire has reached their 14-day fire assignment limit and will be paddling out today, June 19, to demobilize from the fire. Thirteen firefighters remain on-site at the fire area.

In addition, the Forest Service reports no businesses along the Gunflint Trail have closed due to the fire and are ready to help with trips and services. 

Kalli Hawkins June 19, 2023