Delaware Forest Service to Assist with Minnesota Bear Trap Fire

Image Courtesy of Delaware Forest Service

DELAWARE – The Delaware Forest Service is mobilizing one of its wildland fire engines and a a three-person wildland firefighting crew to assist with suppression efforts on the Bear Trap Fire in northern Minnesota.

Through national and regional mutual-aid agreements, Delaware Forest Service personnel and equipment may be mobilized to assist with wildfire incidents across the country. The most recent Delaware crew includes Engine Boss Adam Keever, Engine Boss Jim Charney, and Firefighter Type II Ryan Brown. Keevy, Charney, and Brown will support ongoing firefighting and structure-protection operations on the Superior National Forest. The ongoing wildfires in the area impacted air quality conditions in Delaware and the Eastern Shore of Maryland for much of the past weekend.

First reported on Jul. 7, the fire is burning in remote, difficult-to-access terrain approximately 20 miles north of Ely, Minnesota. Authorities say it later merged with the nearby Dark Fire and has burned approximately 34,545 acres.

“Delaware’s wildland firefighters are highly trained and prepared to assist wherever their skills and resources are needed,” said Delaware State Forester Kyle Hoyd. “We are proud of Adam, Jim, and Ryan for answering the call to support firefighters and communities in Minnesota. We wish them a safe and successful assignment.”

Recent operations have focused on protecting homes, private properties, and other structures near Big Lake. Crews are continuing structure-protection work around Big Lake and along the Echo Trail.