ELY, Minn. — Editor's Note: The video above first aired on June 14, 2023.
The news is positive from the battle against a wildfire that charred an estimated 22 acres in one of the most heavily-used areas of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness.
Officials with Minnesota Incident Command System (MNICS) say as of Monday, June 19, the Spice Lake Fire is 90% contained and is showing minimal fire activity with creeping and smoldering. A crew of 13 firefighters is on the ground mopping up by putting water on the fire, using tools to smother flames and making sure fire lines hold as winds are supposed to pick up later in the week, which could cause re-kindling.
Commander Aaron Milke said a Colorado Hot Shot fire crew paddled out of the zone on Monday after reaching its 14-day assignment limit.
Not as positive is that investigators have determined that the fire was caused by a human or humans, but MNICS is not releasing details on how it started.
The Spice Lake Fire was first detected June 13 between Spice and Ogishkemuncie Lakes on the Gunflint Ranger District of the Superior National Forest. The fire was just east of heavily-used Knife and Kekekabic Lakes, and southwest of Seagull Lake.
U.S. Forest Service officials implemented a closure order for lakes, portages and trails around the burn zone to protect visitors. That order is currently under review as fire danger drops, and a USFS spokesperson says an announcement is expected in the next 24 hours.
Emergency fire restrictions are also currently in place.
Those with visitor permits at this time are asked to contact your outfitter, guide or the Superior National Forest with questions.
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