(WXYZ) — A wildfire that has been burning for days in Northern Michigan is now 75% contained, according to the Michigan Department of Natural Resources.
The Blue Lakes Fire, which is happening in Montmorency and Cheboygan counties, was estimated at more than 2,200 acres as of Monday afternoon. That's more contained than the 60% on Sunday evening.
The cause of the fire is believed to be a lightning strike on May 11, and crews had to be pulled off fire lines temporarily on Saturday because of the lightning risk.
“There may still be hot spots within the contained area,” DNR fire public information officer Kerry Heckman said in a statement.
According to the DNR, the uncontained portion is primarily in low, wet areas that are hard for firefighters to reach.
Although some roads have reopened, Blue Lakes Road between Hardwood Lake Road and Black River Road is still closed. The Black River is still closed between Blue Lakes Road and Clark Bridge Road until nearby hot spots can be identified and addressed.
Departments from around the area have been assisting crews with the fire since Friday afternoon.
The fire also damaged an outbuilding and a privately owned vehicle, and a group of kayakers had to be escorted away from the fire on Friday.
