Upper Peninsula wildfires burn 565 acres in Marquette and Baraga counties, prompting Marquette County evacuations

Two wildfires in Michigan's Upper Peninsula have burned about 565 acres in Marquette and Baraga counties and forced residents in Marquette County to leave their homes, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources said.\n\nThe Michigan Department of Natural Resources said the Craig Lake Fire, located north of Craig Lake State Park, had grown from about 30 acres to around 359 acres by Monday, Oct. 12. The second fire, called the Ridge Fire, has burned about 256 acres northwest of the city of Marquette, between County Road 510 and North Basin Drive, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources said.\n\nResidents of four Marquette County homes on County Road 510 were ordered to leave because of the Ridge Fire. The Michigan Department of Natural Resources said on Oct. 12 that the evacuation order had been lifted.\n\nThe Michigan Department of Natural Resources said the Ridge Fire is burning in very rugged, difficult terrain, making suppression efforts from firefighters on the ground very challenging. The Michigan Department of Natural Resources said the fire grew significantly because of rugged terrain and high winds. The National Weather Service in Marquette reported wind gusts up to 31 mph on Sunday.\n\nThe Michigan Department of Natural Resources said Monday's weather, with relatively calm winds up to 10 mph, was helping limit the spread.\n\nA Ready, Set, Go! procedure was established for residents along North Basin Drive. The current status is "Ready," which means residents in the area should remove dry brush and debris within 30 to 100 feet of their home, plan an evacuation route, pack an emergency bag with medicine, important documents and pet supplies, and monitor the status of the fire from the Michigan Department of Natural Resources and the Marquette County Sheriff's Office on social media.\n\nAn evacuation center was set up at Negaunee Township Hall at 42 East State Highway M-35. The American Red Cross is helping evacuees and their pets at the site, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources said.\n\nA DNR pilot spotted both fires on Oct. 9, discovering the Craig Lake Fire at 1:48 p.m. and the Ridge Fire at 3:55 p.m., the Michigan Department of Natural Resources said. The causes of both fires remain under investigation.\n\nThe Michigan Department of Natural Resources said the Craig Lake Fire is burning in a remote, rugged area that is difficult for firefighters to reach. Firefighters are working to improve access and establish fire lines by clearing vegetation down to bare soil to help prevent the flames from spreading.\n\n"Both fires are fueled by a mix of conifers and hardwoods on ridge tops and a mix of balsam and spruce in the lowlands," said Keith Murphy, DNR Incident Command. "Public safety and firefighter safety remain our top priority."\n\nThe Michigan Department of Natural Resources said 34 firefighters are working to contain the Ridge Fire, while another 17 are battling the Craig Lake Fire. Another 18 individuals comprise an Incident Management Team, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources said.\n\nDNR fire crews are on the scene. The Michigan Department of Natural Resources said two Fire Boss aircraft from Minnesota, which scoop up water to drop on the fire, and a Michigan State Police "Aviation Type 2" helicopter are assisting with fire suppression.\n\nCrews are using equipment including four fire engines, five tractor plows and a skidder, which is used to clear vegetation and create firebreaks, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources said.\n\n"Crews are working today to build containment lines, scout for access, and performing direct attack tactics where possible," the Michigan Department of Natural Resources said in an Oct. 12 update.\n\nThe Noquemanon Trail network west of the trailhead on County Road 510 remains closed, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources said.\n\nTemporary flight restrictions are in place within a 5 nautical mile radius of both the Craig Lake Fire and nearby Ridge Fire, prohibiting flights below 3,500 feet. Officials are asking the public to avoid both areas to prevent interference with firefighting operations.\n\nThe Michigan Department of Natural Resources said the Negaunee Township Fire Department, Marquette County Sheriff's Office and Emergency Management and the Michigan State Police are assisting in the operation.