GLADSTONE, MI-- On June 29, a wildfire was detected on remote Hiawatha National Forest lands north of the community of Trout Lake and west of Highway M-123. The lightning-caused fire continues to smolder in remote and difficult-to-access wetland areas.
Firefighters actively worked the fire over the holiday weekend, locating access routes for amphibious firefighting vehicles and initiating suppression activities. The fire has not grown significantly since last week, but continues to burn. On-the-ground measurement improved the accuracy of the fire map and increased the estimated burned area from about 40 acres to about 65 acres.
US Forest Service and partners continue to implement fire suppression tactics using natural and manmade barriers to confine the fire and minimize risk to firefighters and the public. While most fire crews from other National Forests have been released from the fire, local Hiawatha National Forest wildfire crews continue to mop-up the fire along with a helicopter and Seney National Wildlife Refuge’s amphibious vehicles.
Two Forest Roads remain temporarily closed to assist wildland firefighting activity. Forest Road 3145 (also called Wilwin Road) is closed between M-123 and H-40. Forest Road 3343 is closed at M-123.
Aerial surveillance flights will also continue. Officials remind that use of drones is not allowed in the vicinity of the fire.
Courtesy Hiawatha National Forest
