An aerial view of smoke from a wildfire in the Upper Peninsula
A wildfire in the Upper Peninsula continues to spread, covering 225 acres. Fire danger remains high across the state. (Courtesy of the Michigan Department of Natural Resources)
  • A wildfire in Baraga County has spread, covering 225 acres
  • The wildfire was discovered Friday and at the time only covered 5 acres  
  • State officials are urging residents not to burn this weekend as fire danger remains high across the state 

A wildfire in federally managed land in a remote part of the Ottawa National Forest in the Upper Peninsula has spread, covering 225 acres since it was discovered Friday. 

Discovered by a pilot, the fire was initially about 5 acres but quickly spread to at least 112 acres, according to the U.S. Forest Service. 

Authorities believe dry wood found on the forest floor created conditions that led to the Summit Lake fire in the McCormick Wilderness, a federally managed forest in Baraga County.

On social media, the Forest Service wrote that firefighters have slowed the fire and will continue to monitor it from the air and ground. Planes are dropping tanks of water to fight the blaze. 

Related: Fire danger remains high in Michigan, dry conditions continue

No injuries have been reported and no buildings are being threatened by this fire but the Forest Service has asked that people not fly drones in the area.

The fire comes at a time when fire danger remains high or very high in some parts of the state and drought conditions continue. 

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources has urged residents not to burn leaves or other debris this weekend and to use precautions when starting campfires or using trailers.

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