PRESQUE ISLE COUNTY, Mich. (WJRT) – Firefighters from the Michigan Department of Natural Resources and Northern Michigan fire departments are battling a wildfire in Presque Isle County.
The fire had scorched nearly 180 acres near the southeast end of the Tomahawk Creek Flooding by Sunday evening. The flames were only about 60% contained and continuing the spread.
The DNR continues investigating how the fire started.
Laurie Abel, a public information officer for the DNR’s Incident Management Team, said the fire is burning in jack pine, hardwood and a blueberry bog. A vehicle that got stuck on a forest road was consumed, but the occupants are safe.
The DNR has four fire attack airplanes assigned to battling the fire and an aerial coordination airplane monitoring conditions overhead.
Traffic restrictions remain in place along Spring Lake, Anderson and Millersburg roads as emergency crews manage the area and monitor fire activity. Fire crews have not ordered any evacuations and they don’t believe any homes or structures are at risk.
This is the second major wildfire in Northern Michigan over the past week. The Mapes Fire in Oscoda County burned 124 acres near the Lost Creek Lodge west of Mio early last week. That fire has been fully contained.
DNR officials say fire danger remains very high across much of Northern Michigan and burn bans are in place. Fallen trees and limbs from the major 2025 ice storm are providing additional fuel for wildfires.
Windy and dry weather so far this month are contributing to fire spread.
