North Norris Fire and Square Fire Update

Wednesday, August 18, 2021

MNICS Team B, Incident Commander Tom Roach
Fire Information: 218-244-1911, 8 am – 8 pm
Email: 2021.northnorris@firenet.gov

Date Detected Current Size Containment

North Norris Fire 8/14/2021 79 acres 15%
Square Fire 8/15/2021 87 acres 10%
Personnel Assigned to both fires: 85

Current Status: Lighter winds, higher humidity and a light early afternoon shower provided improved conditions yesterday for
firefighters working on the North Norris and Square fires. Containment is growing on both fires as control lines are being widened
and improved and progress is being made mopping up smoldering stumps and vegetation that continue to hold heat near each fire’s
perimeter. The Black Hawk helicopters were a great asset yesterday on both fires, dropping up to 650 gallons of water per trip. The
Black Hawk Helicopters were active throughout the afternoon and evening. Helicopter coordination was supported by a third
helicopter that provided air traffic control to assure safety and communication between the ground crews and the pilots. Water was
retrieved from the Winter Road Lake.
Fire traffic continues to be very active along the Highway 11 corridor between Graceton and Williams, Minnesota, and on the
Roosevelt and Faunce roads within the Beltrami Island State Forest. Due to the extremely dusty conditions on narrow gravel roads
where fire equipment is active, travelers are asked slow down and drive with caution.
A reminder that burning restrictions are in effect for Lake of the Woods County, for information on current restrictions visit
www.dnr.state.mn.us/forestry/fire.
Planned Activity:
North Norris fire – Today work will continue on mopping up hot spot that continue to hold heat near the fire’s edge. Heavy
equipment including dozers and skidgeons are building and strengthening the control line, while hand crews working with tracked
vehicles, pumps, hoses, water and hand tools are working to cool down smoldering hot spots and clear flammable debris along the
control line. The Black Hawk helicopters are assigned to the fire and can be utilized throughout the day to supporting control efforts.
Square fire – Today fire crews will continue to efforts on establishing the hose line to pump water in to the north side of the fire
were the fire has been most active. Heavy equipment including dozers and skidgeons are building and strengthening the control line.
Hand crews will also be active working alongside tracked vehicles, using pumps, hoses, water and hand tools to cool smoldering hot
spots and clear flammable debris along the control line. The Black Hawk helicopters are assigned to the fire and can be utilized
throughout the day to supporting control efforts.
Weather: Temperatures are expected to be in the low to mid-90s today and southerly winds will range 15-25 mph. Near critical fire
weather conditions are expected again today as a result of warm, dry, windy conditions mixed with very dry fuels.
Summary:
North Norris Fire – Late in the afternoon of Saturday, August 14th, a wildfire was detected approximately 2 miles north of the
historic Norris Camp in Lake of the Woods County, approximately 20 miles southwest of Roosevelt, Minnesota. It is within the
Beltrami Island State Forest. The fire was actively burning in heavy timber and brush. Several aircraft, including single engine air
tankers, a large air tanker and a helicopter, were brought in Saturday and Sunday to provide water and retardant drops to help slow
the fire’s spread. Air and ground support continue in the effort to hold the fire from further advancing while ground crews work on
the construction of the containment line around the fire. The cause of the fire is under investigation.
Square Fire – Early in the afternoon of Sunday, August 15th, a wildfire was detected actively burning in black spruce and bog. The fire
is located in Lake of the Woods County, approximately 3 miles northwest of Graceton, Minnesota. Several aircraft, including single
engine air tankers, CL-415 water scoopers and a helicopter were brought in to support the initial attack efforts delivering water and
retardant drops to help slow the fire’s spread. Aircraft remained on the fire well into the evening. The cause of the fire is under
investigation. Air and ground support continue in the effort to hold the fire from further advancing while ground crews work on the
construction of the containment line around the fire. The cause of the fire is under investigation.
Air Operations: Aircraft assigned to the fire are available for this incident and for initial attack response. A temporary flight
restriction is in effect over the fire area. Flying drones over the fire is prohibited. If drones are detected, air operations will stop.
Cooperating Agencies: Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, Bureau of Indian Affairs, the Red Lake Nation and the Williams
Fire Department, and Warroad EMS.