HOUGHTON, MICH – Park rangers have closed Isle Royale for the season leaving to Horne Fire to burn itself over winter.
The Horne Fire started on August 10th from a suspected lightning strike on the Duncan Bay side of the Duncan – Tobin portage trail. Firefighters from multiple agencies worked to get the fire under control.
When park rangers closed the park in late October, the fire was continuing to slowly smolder in a few places, mostly in the thick duff layer. The fire was left to slowly burn itself out this fall and winter as rain and snow eventually blanket the island. The final map, reflecting more accurate measurements of the burned area, showed the fire at 335 acres.
