Cooler temperatures and higher relative humidity helped firefighters make progress containing two active wildfires in Michigan's Upper Peninsula on Monday, the state Department of Natural Resources said. The Ridge Fire, located 10 miles northwest of Marquette and north of the Dead River Basin, is estimated at 450 acres and 20% contained. The Craig Lake Fire, north of Craig Lake State Park, is estimated at 400 acres and 25% contained.
The Ridge Fire burns in extremely rugged terrain that presents significant challenges to suppression efforts. Firefighters are gaining access to areas where they can directly attack the fire and establish containment lines, with help from local landowners familiar with the landscape. An evacuation order for residents along County Road 510 was lifted, though those along North Basin Drive remain in "Ready" status under the agency's protocol. The Noquemanon Trail system west of the trailhead on County Road 510 remains closed.
The Craig Lake Fire also burns in extremely rugged and remote terrain, with portions accessible only on foot. Firefighters are using hand tools to establish containment lines where they can gain access. Both fires were discovered by a DNR pilot on Friday, Oct. 9, with the Craig Lake Fire spotted at 1:48 p.m. and the Ridge Fire at 3:55 p.m. The cause of both fires remains under investigation.
A shift to northerly winds has blown heavy wildfire smoke south across the region, prompting a state air quality alert for Baraga, Marquette, Iron, Dickinson and Menominee counties. The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy forecasted unhealthy air quality conditions. Residents are advised to watch for symptoms such as coughing or shortness of breath and to reduce intense outdoor activities.
A temporary flight restriction remains in place over both fires for a 5-nautical-mile radius below 3,500 feet. The DNR has deployed 34 firefighters on the Ridge Fire and 17 on the Craig Lake Fire, with an 18-person DNR Incident Management Team managing both. Additional support is being provided by Michigan State Police, Marquette County Sheriff's Office, Baraga County Emergency Management and DNR Law Enforcement Division.