Wildfire burning in the BWCA northeast of Ely at Wood Lake

A small wildfire is burning at Wood Lake within the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW).

On Tuesday, Sept. 10, at approximately 11 a.m. Forest Service officials detected a fire on an island on Wood Lake, which is located 18 miles northeast of Ely, within the BWCAW.

Forest Service officials said the fire is approximately 3-5 acres and is burning in primarily heavy dead balsam fir. Officials said the fire is suspected to be human-caused at this time; however, an official fire investigation has not been conducted. As of Wednesday afternoon, the fire is creeping, smoldering, and burning in deep duff. Due to relative humidity levels overnight and minimal winds, the fire remains small at this time. However, increased winds are expected for Thursday through Friday.

“The fire spotted off the island to a ridgetop and began to torch and exhibit active fire behavior. The fire area and surrounding landscape has thick vegetation and a significant amount of spruce budworm infested balsam fir,” Forest Service officials said.

The Superior National Forest officials are utilizing aircraft to cool the fire and initiate suppression actions with the highest likelihood of success. Firefighters are working on full suppression tactics; however, ground conditions and access have proved difficult. Additional aircraft have been ordered to assist with the fire as they become available.

Due to safety concerns, BWCAW Entry Point #26 permittees have been contacted.

“This is an ever-changing event, and we ask the traveling public to stay away from the area and seek alternate routes,” the Forest Service said in a press release. To stay up to date, please sign up for Superior NF Fire Information notices and news. For the safety of firefighting resources, no drones are allowed near the fire area.

Kalli Hawkins September 11, 2024