BARAGA — The northern half of the McCormick Wilderness, including the Yellow Dog Trailhead, has been closed due to the wildfire around Summit Lake in Baraga County.

Updates on any closures or the wildfire in general can be seen via inciweb.wildfire.gov.

The fire has expanded its reach from 5 acres when it was first observed Oct. 18 to 165 acres Oct. 21 and then to 225 acres Oct. 22.

Rainy and cool weather had held the fire at 225 acres for more than a day and the fire is still being monitored. The fire is burning in a very remote area of the county and butts against nearby Trout and Evergreen lakes. Fire crews have assessed the spread of the wildfire and have taken measures to try and minimize its expansion.

Airplanes known as air tankers have been flown over the Summit Lake area to drop water as long as the weather is favorable for the aircraft. The concentration of the water drops remains on the western edge of the blazes but can change with continuing assessments and changes in the fire’s possible expansions. It has been advised for civilians to not enter the burning areas of the forest, but as of now there are no structures under threat of being caught in the fire’s path.