Pagami Creek Fire in Aerial Patrol Status, Update for 10-20-11
Incident: Pagami Creek Fire Wildfire
Released: 10/20/2011
· TODAY'S MESSAGE: The fire remains 92,682 acres and 91% containment. Weather conditions improved enough on Wednesday afternoon to permit all remaining fire fighting crews to be removed from the fire. All divisions on the Pagami Creek Fire are in aerial patrol status and the fire itself is unstaffed. A few remaining back haul items need to be retrieved from the fire-line. Crews and resources continue to be released. Providing for firefighter and public safety is a primary concern. Cold weather will continue through today. North winds are expected to be about 6-8 mph with afternoon temperatures about 42 degrees. ACTIVITIES TODAY · Crews will haul any remaining equipment out of the fire area. · The perimeter of the fire will be unstaffed and in aerial patrol status. · Fire fighting crews will continue to be demobilized from the incident and provided transportation back to their home units. WEATHER: Cool temperatures are expected today with a high of 41-46 degrees. Relative humidity is expected to be between around 42%. Winds will be N at 6-8 mph. AREA/ROAD CLOSURES: The Forest Service has re-opened some areas of the Superior National Forest for public use. Effective 12:01 am Tuesday, October 18, 2011, most of the previously closed areas outside of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW), were re-opened. A section of the BWCAW including the Lady Chain and north to, and including, the Kekekabic Hiking Trail was re-opened. These areas were closed due to activity in around the Pagami Creek Fire. A small portion of the BWCAW, including the Pow Wow Hiking Trail, and forest Road 377 leading to Forest Center will remain closed. The Forest Service asks that visitors take care traveling in the re-opened areas as fire crews may still be working in the area. For maps, lists and updates regarding closures and restrictions please see the Superior National Forest website: www.fs.usda.gov/goto/superior/home or, www.inciweb.org/incident/2534 or, contact a local Superior National Forest office for more information. FIRE RESTRICTIONS: There are currently no fire restrictions. LOCATION: The fire started approximately 13 miles east of Ely. CAUSE: Lightning DETECTED: August 18, 2011 Costs to date: $22,000,000 RESOURCES: There are currently 228 personnel assigned to the incident. Resources include: 3 hotshot (Type 1) crews, 1 Type 2 crews, 3 camp crews and other personnel. The following air resources are available: 1 Type 1 helicopter, 4 Type 3 helicopters, and three Beaver aircraft on floats. The Eastern Area Type Two Team is in command of the Pagami Creek fire.
