The United States Forest Service has responded to a wildfire in western Marquette County forcing the closure of a hiking trail. On Wednesday a wildfire was discovered on the northeast side of the McCormick Wilderness east of the Yellow Dog River and has reached some private land in the area. No structures are threatened in the blaze at this time. Officials have closed the Yellow Dog Trail until further notice. Signage has been in the area notifying the public that the trail is closed. The fire has burned an estimated 98 acres at this time. Smoke may be visible in the local area. Please heed to emergency personnel if traveling nearby.
Forest Service and Michigan DNR personnel are on the scene, using minimal impact suppression. Aircraft are monitoring the fire from above, and assisting crews on the ground.
The forest in the area of the fire consists of hardwoods and conifers. The fire burns in the under-story and remains creeping along the edges with some groups of torched trees.