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US Forest Service tells Ely council Birch Bay Fire has burned about 25 acres; Ely not currently threatened
Summary
Adam Cochran, U.S. Forest Service district ranger, told the Ely City Council that the Birch Bay Fire discovered June 1 had burned roughly 25 acres, aircraft and a Type 3 team were deployed, investigators are on scene, and current winds make an immediate threat to Ely unlikely.
Ely, Minn. — The U.S. Forest Service informed the Ely City Council on June 2 that the Birch Bay Fire discovered on June 1 has burned about 25 acres and is moving northeast toward the Boundary Waters Canoe Area, but does not currently pose an immediate threat to the city.
Adam Cochran, U.S. Forest Service district ranger, said aircraft were assisting initial attack efforts, crews had some existing fire lines near the Geraldine Prescribed Burn Project and a Type 3 incident management team was ordered to provide logistical support. Cochran said a fire investigator was on scene to determine cause and emphasized that, while the area is very dry and residents should remain cautious about open fires, Ely should not expect impacts if winds and weather remain as they were.
"It appears that the fire started on Forest Service land and has moved to state land," Cochran said. "We have ordered a Type 3 team to come in and will provide extensive logistical support."
Mayor Omerza thanked Cochran for the briefing. The council took no formal action; the update was informational.
