Spice Lake wildfire in the Boundary Waters 100% contained
USDA Forest Service photo of Spice Lake Fire, June 16, 2023 by J. Jungemann
Updated: Monday, June 26. The Spice Lake fire was 100% contained on Wednesday, June 21.
According to the U.S. Forest Service, a wildfire was detected late in the afternoon on June 13, between Spice Lake and Ogishkemuncie Lake. The wildfire was located on the Gunflint Ranger District of the Superior National Forest of the BWCA. Spice Lake is located east of Knife and Kekekabic Lakes and southwest of Seagull Lake and approximately 10 miles west of the Gunflint Trail.
Officials say the wildfire burned through 22 acres.
The Forest Service says fire activity on site has been minimal. The 9-person fire crew who have been mopping up the area will be leaving today. Two fire personnel will travel to the area and be on site to monitor the area through the next week.
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Update from Friday, June 18:
Fire crews installed hose lines on several segments of the fire’s edge and are mopping up the fire’s edge. Mopping up involves putting water on the fire, and using tools to extinguish the heat until the area is cooled.
Objectives continue to be mopping up along the fire perimeter. Firefighter and public safety are the number one priority. Yesterday, fire investigators made the initial determination that this fire was human caused, but remains under investigation. For more information about the causes of wildfires you can read more here.
A light helicopter has been assigned to the fire to support supply missions and for medivac purposes. A 30% chance of light rain and thunderstorms may pass over the fire area tomorrow. However, precipitation amounts are expected to be very low.
The Superior National Forest has implemented Forest Order (09-09-23-03). This order is for the closure of lakes, portages, and trails around the fire for public safety. Public safety crews are redirecting visitors and posting portages closed. Details can be found at Superior National Forest – Alerts & Notices (usda.gov).
The Superior National Forest has also implemented a Forest Order (09-09-23-02). Which is the campfire restrictions due to continued dry conditions and very high wildfire danger. This Order will remain in effect until further notice. See the Superior National Forest website https://www.fs.usda.gov/superior for more information on fire restrictions.