UPDATE: Isle Royale Mt. Franklin Fire conditions improve; some trails to reopen

As of mid-day on Aug. 16, spread of the Mt. Franklin Fire on Isle Royale has slowed, though it is not yet considered totally contained. Some closures have been lifted. Click on map for larger version. (Map © and courtesy Isle Royale National Park)

HOUGHTON -- Over the past two days, favorable weather conditions have slowed the spread of the Mt. Franklin Fire on Isle Royale, allowing firefighters to lay hose line around the fire’s perimeter. While significant progress suppressing the fire has occurred, the fire is not yet considered contained. The current fire acreage is estimated at 6 acres, reduced from initial estimates of 11 acres. Initial estimates are based on first-responder reports and are often adjusted as firefighters respond. There are currently minimal impacts to visitors with the exception of closures, and fire managers expect that to continue over the next few days.

With adequate firefighting resources on scene and a weather forecast that indicates continued high humidity levels and minimal winds, fire behavior is expected to be minimal. As fire conditions have improved, some closures have been lifted. Most significantly, the Rock Harbor Trail between Daisy Farm Campground and Rock Harbor is now open, allowing for continuous trail access between eastern and western areas of Isle Royale. Three Mile Campground has re-opened and Lane Cove Campground is open to water access, though the Lane Cove Trail remains closed.

While fire behavior is minimal, some tree torching has still been observed, and there is considerable concern about falling trees in the affected fire area. For the continued health and safety of visitors and employees, the following closures continue until further notice:

• Greenstone Ridge Trail from the Ojibway Trail Junction, east to the Tobin-Duncan Portage Trail Junction
• Lane Cove Trail (Lane Cove Campground is open for paddlers) 
• Mount Franklin Trail 
• Tobin Harbor Trail between the Mount Franklin Trail and Suzy’s Cave Trail (Suzy’s Cave Trail is open)
• North side of the Three Mile Dock to allow unrestricted NPS vessel access
• Cross-Country Camping Zones 8, 8A, 9A, 10, 11, 12, 33, 36 are closed for camping
• Other areas if directed by fire personnel.

An investigation regarding the cause of the fire is ongoing. Investigators are seeking information about an illegal fire and associated camp on the Mount Franklin Trail the evening of August 12 and into the morning of August 13. 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, Mt Franklin Fire 2022 - Isle Royale National Park, and on social media when it becomes available.

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.