SCHOOLCRAFT COUNTY, Mich. (WZMQ) – UPDATE 10-24-24, 11:40 a.m.: The Lard Fire is now 75% contained and only 79 acres as of Thursday morning.
The U.S. Forest Service says the area received some rain throughout the day Wednesday that reduced any heat. Fire activity is now minimal and smoldering.
The cause of the fire is still unknown. The U.S. Forest Service is asking residents not to fly drones or other unmanned aircraft in the area for the safety and integrity of firefighting efforts.
Original story 10-24-24, 10:15 a.m.:
As drought conditions continue across the Upper Peninsula, a second wildfire is now burning in a remote area on the Schoolcraft County line in the Hiawatha National Forest.
The Lard Fire, named for its proximity to Lard Lake, began in the afternoon on Tuesday, Oct. 22. As of Thursday, Oct. 24, the fire is approximately 200 acres in size and 0% contained. The U.S. Forest Service says long-term drought, high winds, and low relative humidity ahead of a cold front caused rapid growth of the fire.
Firefighters on the ground and aircraft are actively working to suppress the fire.
At this time, the cause of the fire is unknown.
The U.S. Forest Service is asking residents not to fly drones or other unmanned aircraft in the area for the safety and integrity of firefighting efforts.
