Single Publication

Spice Lake Fire Fact Sheet

June 18, 2023                   8:00am

MNICS Team B- Incident Commander Aaron Mielke

Fire Information: 218-248-7240 (8:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.)

Email: 2023.spicelake@firenet.gov

Inciweb: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident-news/mnsuf-spice-lake-fire

Superior National Forest: www.fs.usda.gov/superior

Date Detected: 6/13/2023, Current Size: 22 acres, Containment: 65%

Summary: Late in the afternoon on June 13th, a wildfire was detected between Spice Lake and Ogishkemuncie Lake in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW) on the Gunflint Ranger District of the Superior National Forest. Spice Lake is located east of Knife and Kekekabic Lakes and southwest of Seagull Lake, approximately 10 miles west of the Gunflint Trail.

Current Status: Fire activity was observed as creeping and smoldering in mixed timber and brush. Fire crews used indirect and direct tactics to get good fire line around the fire perimeter. They continued to strengthen the fire line perimeter working to keep the fire within the current footprint. 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 mix it into the soil and duff to extinguish the heat until the area is cooled.

In addition, firefighters successfully completed 3–4 acres of burning in the middle of the fire area to bring the fire line out to a natural barrier versus cutting fire line. Objectives continue to be mopping up along the fire perimeter. Firefighter and public safety are the number one priority.

Yesterday, fire investigators visited the fire area and made the initial determination that this fire was human caused and remains under investigation.

Planned Activity: Crews will continue to mop up the fire and work to extinguish hot spots and heavy fuel areas. 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, but precipitation amounts are expected to be very low. In addition, gusts and erratic winds may accompany the thunderstorms.

Closure Area: The Superior National Forest has implemented Forest Order (09-09-23-03) for a closure area of lakes, portages, and trails around the fire for public safety. Public safety crews have redirected visitors and posted portages closed. Details can be found at Superior National Forest - Alerts & Notices (usda.gov).

Fire Restrictions: The Superior National Forest has implemented a Forest Order (09-09-23-02) for 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.

Cooperating Agencies: Gunflint Trail Volunteer Fire Department, National Park Service, and Minnesota Department of Natural Resources.