Ham Lake Fire - 2007
The Ham Lake Fire started on May 6, 2007 in a remote, pristine area of Northern Minnesota known as the Gunflint Trail area. A severe storm with straight line winds approaching 100 mph in the summer of 1999 had blown down many trees and branches. This debris fueled the fire, which rapidly grew into dangerous proportions. Prevailing winds and the lack of rain made the situation even worse. At certain points, observers noted 100-foot horizontal flames. The
Ham Lake fire eventually burned over 75,000 acres and destroyed 140 houses, cabins and other structures on the American side and caused significant damage in Canada as well.
The following photos were taken during and after the fire by George and Marilyn Carlson, who had just completed the final spring maintenance on the 100 plus properties protected by the WSPS™ . Some of the photos show the Ham Lake fire from the viewpoint of these protected properties.
Ham Lake Fire - Photo Gallery
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