On Friday, October 20 a fire was detected in the Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park. First seen by Ranger Dave Young from Summit Peak in an area approximately 2 miles directly north of the Little Carp River Road. At that time the area of burn was about 200 acres. Fire crews were on the site that evening, initiating low-impact containment.

 By Saturday morning the burned area covered over 1000 acres, and more than 60 people were engaged to fight the fire. By Sunday the fire was largely contained, and mop-up continued after that. The cause of the fire was attributed to a lightning-struck hemlock in the northwest corner of the burn. A snow shower a week and a half earlier ignited it, and a smolder became a fire when fanned by a strong northwest wind.

 I was able to visit the fire Saturday afternoon, climbing an incredibly long and steep grade to reach the active northeast quadrant. Pictures and comments follow.

 The fire scorched the ground and didn't damage the living trees.Likely it restored some important nutrients to the soil. Stay tuned for a visit this coming spring for an update.