North Norris Fire and Square Fire Update

Thursday, August 19, 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 30%
Square Fire 8/15/2021 87 acres 10%
Personnel Assigned to both fires: 100

Current Status: An observation flight completed yesterday over both the North Norris and Square fires showed that the control lines
are holding well within each fire’s perimeter. Firefighters continue making great progress with mopping up smoldering stumps and
hot spots. Their efforts will continue today to further strengthen these control lines by adding more depth into the interior along
both fire’s perimeters. Today, an Infrared flight will be flown over both fires. The Infrared will help to identify any hidden pockets of
heat.
Near critical fire weather conditions yesterday did result in an increase in fire activity on the north side of the Square Fire. Black
Hawk Helicopters were utilized throughout the afternoon to provide cooling water drops on the active flank of the fire.

A reminder that fire traffic will continue to be very active along the Highway 11 corridor between Graceton and Williams,
Minnesota, and along 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 to slow down and drive with caution. Burning restrictions
remain 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 –
Firefighters continue to focus on mop up efforts and widening the control lines. The Black Hawk helicopters are assigned to the fire
and available for use as weather and fire conditions warrant their support.
Square fire – Crews are making great progress establishing a hose lay into the Square fire. The hose line will allow water to be
pumped into the north side of the fire where crews are seeing the greatest amount of heat and fire activity. The Black Hawk
helicopters are assigned to the fire and can be utilized throughout the day to support control efforts.
Weather: Similar warm, windy, and dry conditions will continue today, ahead of a weather system that is expected to bring in
precipitation and possible severe weather tomorrow night. Today, temperatures will range from the low to mid-90s, with south
winds 10-15 mph gusting up to 20 mph and 35% humidity. Near critical fire weather conditions are expected again today and this
evening.
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 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.