Ham Lake Fire
From BWCAWiki
The Ham Lake Fire is a forest fire currently burning on the western end of the Gunflint Trail. The fire started on Ham Lake and quickly spread northwest to Round Lake and then turned north and burned across the end of the Gunflint Trail. As of May 10 the fire has burned approximately 30,000 acres.
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Location
From the origin, the perimeter of the fire connects Ham Lake, Round Lake, Brandt Lake, Everett Lake, Bingshick Lake, Honker Lake, Paulson Lake, Seagull Lake, End of the Trail Campground, Gull Lake, the Gull River, Marabaeuf Lake, and Larch Creek. This includes developed areas on the northern side of Round Lake, the eastern end of Seagull Lake, and the entire End of the Trail area, as well as the Gunflint Trail itself.
Origin and development
The fire was first observed at about 11:30 AM on Saturday, May 5, 2007, and is reported to have started at a campsite on the northwestern shore of Ham Lake. From there the fire quickly spread northwest, pushed by 20 mph winds. On May 6 the fire turned north and reached Seagull Lake. The fire continued north on May 7, burning across the end of the Gunflint Trail and crossing Marabaeuf Lake into Ontario Crownlands.
The fire has burned into land previously burned by the Cavity Lake Fire (2006), the 2003 Arc Lake prescribed fire, the Sag Corridor Fire (1995), and the Roy Lake Fire (1976).
Outlook
As of May 8, the fire is 5% contained and weather continues to hinder suppression.
Impacts
More than 30 structures have reportedly been lost on Round Lake, Seagull Lake, and the End of the Trail area. No serious injuries have been reported.
Tuscarora Outfitters and a few private residences were evacuated near Round Lake on May 5.
On May 6, the entire western end of the Gunflint Trail, from the Cross River to the End of the Trail, was evacuated as the fire continued to spread. This evacuation closes a number of BWCAW entry points, including popular Saganaga Lake and Seagull Lake.
Governor Tim Pawlenty visited the Ham Lake Fire on May 8.
See also
References
- Fires spread along Gunflint Trail, Star Tribune, May 6, 2007
- Fire forces evacuation of lodge near Gunflint Trail, St. Paul Pioneer Press, May 5, 2007
