THURSDAY UPDATE ON SUMMIT LAKE FIRE BARAGA COUNTY
As of Thursday morning, no new fire growth was observed for the Summit Lake Fire in the last 24 hours. The fire received approximately 4/10ths of an inch of precipitation yesterday, substantially moderating fire behavior. Cloud cover and cool temperatures also served to moderate fire behavior. At this time, there are no threatened structures.
Closures: A closure is in effect for the northern half of the McCormick Wilderness that lie within T50N R29W and T50N and R30W, including the Yellow Dog Trailhead. The closure order and associated map labeled Exhibit A, will be posted at the McCormick Wilderness trail heads, Forest offices, and on Inciweb.
Fire activity: The perimeter of the fire is estimated to encompass an area of approximately 266 acres. Within the perimeter, the pattern of burning is frequently patchy with areas of consumed leaf litter and pockets of smoldering dead and down heavy woody debris. Previous fire activity and growth has occurred primarily to the south and southwest, driven primarily by terrain and wind. Smoke will be visible in the localized area.
Current actions: To the north and east, the fire has been stalled by wetlands and lakes, allowing firefighters to prioritize the southwest flank of the fire in the vicinity of private lands. Protecting private lands in the vicinity of the fire has been identified as a primary objective for fire suppression. Firefighters will be working to construct and reinforce firelines along the southwest flank of the fire, extending from Summit Lake to the heel of the fire southward.
Outlook: Cool, wet weather over the area of the fire has moderated fire behavior, but the outlook includes a drying trend within the next 48 hours which will bring more unseasonably warm weather that is likely to result in visible fire behavior.
Fire Resources: Total staffing for the fire as of today’s date stands at 45 individuals, including a 20 person Montana handcrew in addition to nine firefighters from the Ottawa National Forest. A Michigan Interagency Type III Incident Management Team of six individuals is assisting the Ottawa National Forest in management of the Summit Lake Fire. The Team has the additional assistance of two resource advisors from the Ottawa National Forest. Two single engine air tankers, commonly known as ‘Fire Bosses’ have been assigned to the fire, in addition to a Type III light helicopter capable of performing water drops and reconnaissance flights as needed.
Discovery date: October 18, 2024
Location: Northwest corner of the McCormick Wilderness between Summit Lake and Evergreen Lake. The McCormick Wilderness is located in Baraga County, 12.5 miles north of Michigamme, MI.
Estimated size: 225 acres
Cause: Under investigation
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