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Due to the Shell Lake Wildfire on the USFS Forest Supervisor Tom Hall is closing a portion of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW) with an Emergency Forest Order - effective today, October 8 – prohibiting visitor entry on one lake, three specific campsites, and the loop portion of the Sioux-Hustler Trail (Forest Order 09-09-24-10). The restrictions will go into effect beginning at 12:01 p.m., October 8, 2024; see Forest Order Exhibit A for a list of closure areas and Exhibit B for a map of the area at Forest Closure Order 09-09-24-10 Shell Lake Fire.[1] The closure may be modified or extended as conditions allow.
The Forest Order closures include:
- The Sioux-Hustler Trail loop (Sioux-Hustler Trail from entry point to Devil’s Cascade still open)
- Agawato Lake with one (1) campsite on the lake
- Two(2) campsites on eastern side of Shell Lake
The Forest Service has posted the affected BWCAW Entry Points #14 and #15 on County Road 116 (Echo Trail) and notified cooperators and outfitters. Self-issue permits are required for both day and overnight visitor use in the BWCAW. This emergency closure is necessary for the safety of the public and firefighters.
The Shell Lake Fire is approximately 1/2 acre in size and burning in timber with a mixed boreal forest component. It is suspected to be human caused; however, an official fire investigation has not occurred yet. Initial aircraft fire size up showed the fire creeping, smoldering, and occasional single tree torching. The fire has some potential to spread to the east near Agawato Lake and a portion of the Sioux-Hustler Hiking Trail. The fire area and surrounding landscape has thick vegetation cover.
Northern Minnesota is facing drought conditions, causing active and increasing fire across the landscape. Federal and state firefighters have responded to several human caused wildfires in recent days. In addition, the availability of firefighting suppression resources including personnel and equipment is limited due to large wildfires still occurring in western states and firefighting resources supporting hurricane response efforts in eastern states. The National Preparedness Level was increased to 5-or the highest level as of 7:30 a.m. MDT today.
