ISLE ROYALE, Mich. (Michigan News Source) – After nearly two weeks of fighting the once estimated 11 acre Mount Franklin Fire on Isle Royale, National Park authorities have declared it 100% contained. After everything has settled, authorities have also determined the fire spanned six acres unlike original estimates.
The Mt. Franklin wildfire began Aug. 13 when several campers alerted the park staff of a plume of smoke coming from near the Three Mile campground located near the Northeastern edge of the park.
MORE NEWS: School Audits are More Than Data; They Tell a Story and the State Stopped Posting Them
With the exception of cross-country camping zones 11 and 12, all affected trails, campgrounds, and docks have reopened. As of Aug. 23, the cross-country camping zones 8, 8A, 9A, 33, and 36 have been reopened.
On Sunday Aug. 21, Minnesota wildland fire crew members departed, but an incident commander from the Hiawatha National Forest remains on site to monitor the burn area.
Though the park is almost completely reopened, there are still some dangerous areas.
Hazards may still exist. If hiking through the burn area, stay on the trail for your safety. Rock cairns are in place on the Mount Franklin Trail to guide hikers through the area according to the Isle Royale National Park Facebook.
Anyone who was in the area between Aug. 12 -13 that has information about an illegal fire and associated camp on the Mt. Franklin Trail are encouraged to submit anonymous tips through the following methods
Call or text the tip line at (888) 653-0009, email nps_isb@nps.gov, or click here.
Leave a Comment
COMMENTS POLICY: We have no tolerance for messages of violence, racism, vulgarity, obscenity or other such discourteous behavior. Thank you for contributing to a respectful and useful online dialogue.