U of M researcher trapped by Gunflint fire

Gunflint Trail burns — A scene from the Gunflint Trail fire on Sunday night, captured by photographer Layne Kennedy. He accompanied Lee Frelich on a canoe trip in the BWCA, and they were caught in the area for a few days because of the fire.
Photo courtesy of LAYNE KENNEDY & Backpacker Magazine

While the Ham Lake fire may have started just outside of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area, there were three campers in the BWCA who got trapped by the wind and flames.

Lee Frelich was camping and canoeing on Seagull Lake with two friends when the fire started.

Red fox — This red fox had badly burned feet and couldn't even run away from the photgrapher. He was sitting in the scorched area right off the Gunflint Trail.
Photo courtesy of LAYNE KENNEDY & Backpacker Magazine

Frelich happens to be the the director for the Center of Hardwood Ecology at the University of Minnesota, and has been planning to research the effects of fires in the Boundary Waters.

Photographer Layne Kennedy was on the trip with Frelich, and took several dramatic photos of the fire which he shared with us.

MPR's Steven John spoke with Frelich about his experience.

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Haze over Seagull Lake — The smoky haze from the Ham Lake fire hangs over Seagull Lake toward the north.
Photo courtesy of LAYNE KENNEDY & Backpacker Magazine

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Burnt canoes — A row of canoes set out by one of the BWCA area outfitters were burned in the fire. This was taken on the Seagull River near the Sag Store.
Photo courtesy of LAYNE KENNEDY & Backpacker Magazine

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U of M researcher trapped by Gunflint fire

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