Wildfire on Isle Royale causes trail, campground closures

Firefighters have been working to prevent further spread of a wildfire on Isle Royale observed Aug. 13 near Three Mile campground. (Photo © and courtesy Isle Royale National Park)

HOUGHTON -- Early in the afternoon on Saturday, August 13, Isle Royale National Park staff received reports of a plume of smoke coming from an apparent wildfire burning in the area of Three Mile campground. Isle Royale firefighters responded to the area and discovered a small fire burning at the junction of the Tobin Harbor trail and Mt. Franklin trail. The initial assessment measured the fire at approximately 5 acres. Visitors were evacuated from Three Mile campground and Lane Cove campground. Visitors were also contacted and brought in from the Rock Harbor, Tobin Harbor, Mt. Franklin, and Greenstone Ridge trails for their safety.

Later in the day, the fire grew to approximately 10 acres. To help prevent further spread until a fire crew could be brought in to work on the fire, a single engine air tanker from Minnesota dropped 5 loads of water (approximately 4000 total gallons) on the fire late in the afternoon. Additional fire resources are expected to arrive in the park starting August 14.

The following closures are in place until further notice for the health and safety of visitors and employees: 

• Mount Ojibway Trail
• Lane Cove Trail and Campground
• Three Mile Campground and Dock
• Greenstone Ridge Trail from the Daisy Farm Trail junction east to the Tobin-Duncan Portage Trail junction 
• Rock Harbor Trail between Daisy Farm Campground and Rock Harbor
• Mount Franklin Trail
• Tobin Harbor Trail
• Suzy’s Cave Trail
• Cross-Country Camping Zones 8, 8A, 9A, 10, 11, 12, 13, 33 and 36 are closed for camping as well as cross-country day use
• Other areas if directed by fire personnel

Campgrounds marked in red are closed. Star near center of map shows approximate fire location. Click on map for larger version or view original size here. (Map © and courtesy Isle Royale National Park)

Park staff are working closely with the Rock Harbor Lodge, Isle Royale Queen IV, and Voyageur II to provide visitor transportation and fire information while the closures are in place.

The cause of the fire is under investigation.  Information from park visitors is often very helpful to investigators. If you were in the area of Three Mile trail and campground, Tobin Harbor trail, or Mount Franklin trail on August 12 or 13, or if you have information that could help, please submit a tip. You don’t have to tell us who you are, but please tell us what you know:

CALL or TEXT the Tip Line:  888-653-0009

ONLINE:   go.nps.gov/SubmitATip

EMAIL:   nps_isb@nps.gov

The fire status will be continually evaluated. Closed areas will be signed where possible and monitored to ensure compliance. These closures will remain in place until rescinded. Additional information will be added to the park website, Isle Royale National Park (U.S. National Park Service) (nps.gov) and on social media when it becomes available.