Fire Managers have declared the North Basswood prescribed burn a success after day two of ignition was completed September 29/01. The day went well with increased winds, temperature and relative humidity, resulting in fast work for remaining blocks of blowdown. In all, 300 hectares were burned on the second day for a combined total of 375 hectares, effectively removing the high hazard blowdown fuels in the area.
The fire remained within predetermined boundaries, and any fire spread into standing timber within the blocks was restricted to low intensity ground fires in red and white pine stands. Cooler temperatures and light drizzle in the forecast is expected to limit any potential spread in the burn site area.
One suppression crew will remain on site in a monitoring capacity until midweek. Portages will be assessed and cleared in the area and park and fire staff will begin to demobilize by September 30. Beginning October 1, 2001 water travel will be allowed through the area but the camping restriction will remain in effect until the intensity of the fire has diminished. At this time only the portage from North Bay to Crow Lake remains closed.
On day one, September 28 of the burn, an unexpected bank of heavy fog delayed ignition as it affected both flying and forest fuel conditions. Ignition was able to take place by late afternoon, and the objective of removing fine flammable fuels was achieved over approx. ¼ of the site.
