SUMMIT LAKE WILDFIRE MONDAY EVENING UPDATE
The last two days have produced a moderate drying trend for the area of the Summit Lake Fire. Firefighters have effectively secured the west and southwestern flanks of the fire where the priority has been to protect private lands. The fire encompasses approximately 304 acres within the McCormick Wilderness, and operational staff estimate the fire to be 38 percent contained. At this time, there are no threatened structures.
Management of the Summit Lake Fire will transition from the Michigan Interagency Type III Incident Management Team back to the Ottawa National Forest on Monday at 6:00 PM. The Michigan Interagency IMT would like to express their appreciation to the staff of the Ottawa National Forest and the private landowners in the vicinity of the fire whose courtesy and cooperation enabled the team to effectively engage the fire.
Closures: A closure is in effect for the northern half of the McCormick Wilderness that lies within T50N R29W and T50N and R30W, including the Yellow Dog Trailhead. The closure order and associated map are available of the website of the Ottawa National Forest (https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/ottawa/notices/?cid=FSEPRD1211939) and on the Summit Lake Fire Inciweb site (inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/miotf-summit-lake).
Fire activity: Gradual drying of the forest litter layer has increased the probability of fire detection and movement. A reconnaissance flight on October 26, found scattered areas of heat remaining along the east and southeast flanks of the fire. A flight on October 27, over the same area suggested little remaining heat. For today, Monday, October 28, the temperature over the fire may approach 60 degrees, and winds out of the south will gust in excess of 30 miles per hour, increasing the probability of fire activity and movement. Precipitation may occur over the eastern Upper Peninsula but is likely to miss the area of the fire.
Current actions: Firefighters will continue to reinforce firelines along the west and southwest flank of the fire, extending from Summit Lake to the heel of the fire southward. Where crews have constructed handlines, they will scout remaining hotspots along these flanks of the fire. Crews have prepared contingency lines along the west and southwest flanks of the fire and have begun to rehab the trails used to access the fire from the north and southwest.
Outlook: Today, will begin a trend of unseasonably warm temperatures that will extend into Wednesday. Winds are likely to be strong, gusting over 30 miles per hour. Elevated temperatures and strong winds will continue through Wednesday. A chance of wetting rain enters the area forecast on Wednesday.
Fire Resources: Total staffing for the fire as of today’s date stands at 44 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 will continue to assist the Ottawa National Forest in management of the Summit Lake Fire through Monday. Beginning Tuesday, October 29, the fire will be staffed by a 10-person module, assisted by two resource advisors from the Ottawa National Forest. Aircraft will remain available to the fire 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, Michigan.
Estimated size: 304 acres
Estimated containment: 38%
Cause: Under investigation
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