Michigan Grapples with Two Upper Peninsula Wildfires

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and local firefighting partners are responding to two significant upper peninsula wildfires following a weekend of dry, windy weather that elevated fire risks. The active incidents, the Ridge Fire and the Craig Lake Fire, are located in Marquette and Baraga counties and have presented firefighters with challenging suppression conditions due to rugged terrain and limited access.

Ridge Fire: Largest Wildfire Near Marquette

The ridge fire is the largest of the two incidents, burning approximately 10 miles northwest of Marquette between County Road 510 and North Basin Drive. As of 7 p.m. on Sunday, October 11, the Ridge Fire was estimated at about 256 acres, according to Michigan DNR officials. The difficult and rugged terrain in the area has made traditional ground fire suppression efforts particularly challenging.

Evacuations and Firefighter Response

Due to the Ridge Fire, three residences on County Road 510 were evacuated as a precaution, reflecting the ongoing concern for public safety. The Marquette County Sheriff’s Office established an evacuation center at Negaunee Township Hall, located at 42 East State Hwy M-35 in Negaunee. The Michigan DNR reported that 40 firefighters were on the ground working to suppress the Ridge Fire. Aerial support came from two Fire Boss aircraft—water-scooping planes from Minnesota—and a Michigan State Police Aviation Type 2 helicopter dispatched for aerial firefighting.

Craig Lake Fire Challenges

The craig lake fire began over the same weekend and is located north of Craig Lake State Park, in Baraga County. As of Sunday evening, it covered an estimated 30 acres. Like the Ridge Fire, its remote location and rugged terrain have complicated firefighting efforts. Michigan DNR had 12 firefighters assigned to the Craig Lake Fire, working to establish hand lines by clearing vegetation down to bare mineral soil to aid fire containment.

Fire Safety Measures and Restrictions

Authorities have implemented a temporary flight restriction over both wildfires, extending for a 5-nautical-mile radius and below 3,500 feet to prioritize firefighter safety and prevent unauthorized aircraft from interfering with ongoing suppression operations.

Wildfire Conditions and Ongoing Response

The fires are being fueled by a mix of conifers and hardwoods atop ridges, as well as balsam and spruce in lowland areas. Keith Murphy of the Michigan DNR Incident Command emphasized that “public safety and firefighter safety remain our top priority.” The DNR continues to coordinate suppression efforts, monitor weather conditions, and address wildfire evacuations as needed in response to the continued threat posed by dry, windy weather in the region.

Source: manisteenews.com.