Fire Season Starting Early

[gunflint]

I heard that there's a fire in the Ham Lake area of the Gunflint. (By round Lake) I don't know any specifics but with this wind I would think that it should be blowing the fire into the wilderness instead of the trail. I'll post when I hear more.

[Tom Linderholm]

Please do, my father-in-law is heading in that way in 10 days. It would be a bummer for his annual trip for sure.

Be safe Mark.

[gunflint]

We're fine mid-trail. I heard that Tuscarora may have lost a building and were evacuated but are back now. The last I heard it was heading toward Seagull and the prescribed burn areas and the cavity lake fire area from last year.

[Northlander]

Had a big fire out in the township just outside of Superior the other day. Train started this one. We sure need the rain we are getting. Could use a bunch more. Just so it stops Friday the 11th at about 11 pm.

[gunflint]

We could use some rain. We didn't get any today.

[gunflint]

Lets see if I can get this to work.

http://www.inciweb.org/

[Nate McVey]

Cool site, my dad is actually fighting the Georgia fire. It will be nice to keep track of the containment. Thanks.

[gunflint]

Update:

The Gunflint Trail from Cross River on up has been evacuated. The fire has grown from 1000 acres this morning to 6000 to 8000 acres at 11:00am. Last report is that the fire is heading towards the south shore of seagull Lake.

[boatluvr]

Is there a remote chance they will lift the fire ban by this weekend if we get some rain?

[BD110]

Gunflint,

Hope all goes well for everyone on the trail. Thanks for the post. Keep us posted but most of all be safe.

[SkunkedAgain]

There's no chance of lifting that fire ban IMO. There would need to be a lot of rain...and we've been singing that same old song for a long time now.

If you're planning any kind of trip up north for the foreseeable future, don't plan on burning anything except a gas stove. Even then, be careful.

[boatluvr]

Thanks for the heads up. We will leave the wood at home and bring more propane. Good luck.

[gunflint]

30 structures are gone. The authorities are keeping a tight reign on info but my guess is that most are from the Seagull lake area.

[Down Deep]

Gunflint....Is the fire anywhere near you? I hope the resorts get their opening day.

[gunflint]

The fire is 25 miles up the trail from us and about 4 or 5 miles up the trail from Gunflint Lodge. I'm hearing reports of some of the fire damage but nothing I can confirm. Opener isn't traditionally a big weekend up the trail. Things don't usually get really hopping until the second week of June. Tomorrow sounds like the make it or break it day. Wind and sun. The end of the trail will survive but is already changed for ever.

[jigging wader]

Thanks Gunflint for the imfo on the fire up there, just can't get anything for imfo anywhere about specific damage up there. I sure hope they can protect that seagull river corridor, and I feel for the people that have already lost their property. I'm worried about those people and what they do for their livelyhoods.

THANKS AGAIN JW.

[Surface Tension]

Mark, thanks for the updates.

[jjohnson5150]

http://www.boundarywatersblog.com/

I can't imagine what they are going through.

[troutman]

My brother has a place on Seagull.Several years ago,I helped him install a sprinkler system around the perimeter.One of his neighbors on the lake is a year round resident and refused to leave his property when the evacuation order was given.This fellow was able to start my brothers sprinklers as well as his own and a few other neighbors.Without question,all of these structures would have burned to the ground without sprinklers...and a brave man to stay and do whatever it takes to try and save other peoples property

[Leaky]

How good is that?

[Pikester]

I raise my cup to that guy troutman. We need more people like that in the world.

[gunflint]

I wasn't going to say anything but when people start agreeing with suicidal behavior I draw the line. If he would have been killed trying to save a cabin, he would have been an (Contact Us Please). If his actions would have caused a rescuer to get killed trying to save him, it would have been a tragedy. No structure on Seagull is worth dying for. Worse yet, causing someone else to get killed. Lets keep our eye on the ball here.

[FISHINGFARMER]

I have been reading this since it first started. I hope everyone involved Gods-speed in stopping this fire storm up there in Northeast Minnesota.

I don't want to disagree, but when faced with losing your home or property that you have more than likely spent your entire life to save for and for some raised their families there and enjoy for the retirement years ahead. I would find it hard to just walk away from without giving it one He$$ of a fight to save it.

No, I can't say being in a forest surrounded by a raging fire is the wisest choice, but each individual has a certain right to protect his or her property.

[Scott M]

My wife's grandparents have a place on SeaGull. I guess those sprinklers were a good investment afterall. We'll see how things develop. God bless those that have lost homes, what a tragedy

[Nate McVey]

We are praying for you all and for the rain to come. Be safe!

[troutman]

I don't think anyone is condoning suicidal behavior.Remember,the fellow that got everyone's sprinklers going lives there and I think I'd be going to extremes to try and save my home too.My brothers good fortune is to have this guy as a neighbor.Here is a web address...I hope it's ok...some interesting reading about the fire,to say the least.

boundarycountry.blogspot.com/

[gunflint]

22,000 acres as of this afternoon. The type 1 team has taken over. I heard that they're going to attempt a back burn from Magnetic lake towards the fire later today. This is a precaution as winds are expected to shift and pick up tomorrow. Because of the back burn they have extended the evacuation south to the North Gunflint road.

On a side note. The Governor didn't stop by the lodge to ask my advice as expected.

[Steve Foss]

It's OK, Gunflint. Governors aren't known for taking our advice even when they ask for it. At least this one can catch a walleye.

Prayers to those impacted by the fire.

[Craig_S]

Going to be a tough day tomorrow. And likely through the weekend. Folks are working hard. Pray to give them strength.

Hope like heck the back burn works. And respect those that made that decision. Can you imagine how tough it is to decide to lay down more fire to fight fire when mother nature and wind can prove you wrong? That's true grit. In desperate times.

They are good men and women doing the best they can. It's war. And they are fighting very hard.

Imagine holding your ground in a firestorm. Unless you have, you can't imagine the emotion, guts, and grit. You decide then and there what your limit is. Most there don't have a cabin or house to lose. But they go an incredible distance to make sure some person - unknown - gets to keep property they personally will never enjoy. Think about that.

Craig