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.