UPDATED 5/20/2016 1940 Hours PDT (Seattle Time)
INCIDENT SUMMARY
A prescribed fire intentionally set by U.S. Forest Service to clear fire fuels around the North and the West sides of Foss Lake, near Hwy 169, escaped its containment lines due to unexpected weather. Higher winds and lower humidity were expected after ignition but instead winds picked up and began burning North.
Immediately, Air Tankers and fire crews resources were called in and made great progress. The fire escaped around 1400 hours yesterday produced large plumes of heavy smoke causing some aircraft from gaining the size and containment status. Instead, they had to wait until today (Friday), May 20, 2016, for the smoke to dissipate to get a more accurate estimation.
Aircraft and ground crews were able to work in partnership to stop the slow forward spread on the west, however, the fire did eventually move Northward to Crab Lake. It has not touched the areas to the South of the lake.
The fire has consumed an estimated 440 acres with a 0% containment status. Some media outlets are reporting this fire close to 1,000 acres.
LOCATION
The wildfire is located in St. Louis County, about six (6) miles W of Ely, Minnesota. Approximately, one (1) mile W of the Southern edge of Burntside Lake and South of Crab Lake, burning North within the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW).
RESOURCES
Currently, there are 8 aircraft resources, plus 80 personnel assigned to this incident under the Command of IMT3 IC Timo Rova.
Firefighters working on this fire representing the USDA, USFS and Superior NF. In addition, Morse/Fall Lake FD personnel are providing structure protection, while the Vermillon Fire & Rescue crews have their fire boat stationed at the Burnside station.
THREATS
There are no threats to nearby Ely, Winton, Turner or Soundan communities.
No structures or injuries have been reported at the time of this post.
SOCIAL MEDIA
Please refer to this Fire as #FossLakeFire and #mnfire as being largely used by those in Fire and Media; also used by the those referring to the fire.
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NW Fire Blog 