Wildfire in Michigan, October 20 to 22, 2000

Unseasonably warm temperatures and moderate drought conditions after October 18 set the stage for wildfires in western Upper Michigan. The Carp River fire was discovered in the Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park on October 20. Officials believe the wildfire resulted from lightning on the evening of October 7, followed by days of smouldering. After burning 1,220 acres, the fire was fully contained on October 22 by ground crews using hand tools. Daily monitoring indicated smouldering continuing through November 10. The fire was confined to the under story, in a wilderness area comprised of bogs and high, rocky outcrops, which lacked viable access points and posed no threat to people or private property. Officials consider this wildfire beneficial because it removed under story combustibles with minimal damage to mature trees and it provided research opportunities in ecosystems and natural disturbances.