Wind accelerates fire, spreads through Trout Creek

SUPERIOR – At least three fire departments had to respond to a reported fire that could be categorized as the first of the forest fire season. 

At 1:56 p.m. on May 23, the Mineral County Dispatcher received a call regarding a fire on Diamond Creek Road at the head of Trout Creek. 

The fire had spread to both sides of the creek and in-between a small bridge at the scene. 

Superior and St. Regis Fire Departments responded to the call, as did the Forest Service. Superior Ambulance also arrived shortly after and monitored the roadway to only let emergency personnel through. 

No injuries were reported to the dispatcher. 

Windy conditions and billowing smoke didn’t help the cause as fire fighters fought the  flames for nearly four hours. 

Fire personnel was concerned that it would ultimately jump to the other side of the road. 

According to Superior Volunteer Fire Department Chief John Woodland, the fire burned between four and five acres.

“At around 6 p.m., the fire was basically contained and the Forest Service was going to do some cleanup,” Woodland said. 

Not including small grass fires in the area, Woodland believed this fire to be the biggest of the season so far. 

“With the windy conditions, this one definitely had the potential to get away from us,” Woodland said. 

Even though there is still a lot of snow in higher elevations, that isn’t necessarily going to prevent a lot of fires from occurring this season, according to Woodland.

“With the good snow pack this winter, it’s still dry lower right now,” Woodland said.