FRIDAY UPDATE SUMMIT LAKE WILDFIRE
The Ottawa National Forest sent a mapping flight over the fire Thursday afternoon enabled a more accurate size assessment, which is estimated to encompass 304 acres within the McCormick Wilderness. Fire growth occurred days before the rains that were received on October, 23.
A flight to estimate the area had not been available until the afternoon of October, 24. Even with yesterday’s dry weather there was no indication of additional fire growth. Rain was received overnight. 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 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: Warmer and dryer conditions occurred over the fire yesterday, with winds that contributed to drying and leaf fall. Patchy burning will be experienced in areas of fresh leaf fall. Pockets of large dead and down woody debris will continue to smolder.
Current actions: To the north and east, the fire remains stalled by wetlands and lakes, allowing firefighters to prioritize the southwest flank of the fire in the vicinity of private lands. Firefighters will continue to reinforce firelines along the southwest flank of the fire, extending from Summit Lake to the heel of the fire southward. Crews have identified and scouted a contingency line along a ridge to the west of the southwest flank of the fire. If necessary, crews will develop this control line to provide an additional measure of security for private lands to the south and west of the fire.
Outlook: Rain showers are expected today. Temperatures will trend cooler with higher humidity through this weekend which will aid in suppression efforts. The beginning of next week, however, will bring warmer weather with gusty winds.
Fire Resources: Resources for the fire remain unchanged, 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: 304 acres
Cause: Under investigation
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