Firefighters have the Wilderness Trail Fire located southeast of Grayling more than 90% contained, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources said Monday evening.
Nearby recreation areas at Kneff Lake and Staley Lake are open after being closed while firefighters battled the wildfire, the MDNR said in a news release.
Additionally, railroad tracks north of 4 Mile Road have reopened to train traffic after inspection. Roads within the approximately 2,400-acre fire in Grayling Township are expected to open on Tuesday.
When roads reopen, residents and visitors to the area are warned to stay out of blackened areas. Dead trees could pose a hazard and the ground still may be warm in some areas.
“Please avoid the area if possible,” said Mike Janisse, commander of the DNR Incident Management Team assisting with the fire.
If you do visit the area, stay on roads and keep pets on leashes.
“A newly burned area can be very interesting to look at, but make sure you stay a safe distance away from the burned area,” said Janisse.
Fire crews will still be on the job within the fire area to mop up and take care of any problems.
The Wilderness Trail Fire started around 1 p.m. Saturday and was ignited by a campfire on private property. The fire burned through jack pine, mixed pines and hardwood trees.
Fire danger remains extreme in most of Michigan and more hot, dry weather is in the forecast. Burn permits for yard debris are not being issued at this time.
Find fire safety tips at Michigan.gov/PreventWildfires.
