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October 11, 2026
Michigan Department of Natural Resources firefighters and local partners are working to contain two wildfires in Marquette and Baraga counties. Fire danger is at very high levels today due to drought conditions, warm temperatures and strong winds.
The Ridge Fire, estimated at approximately 256 acres, is burning approximately 10 miles northwest of Marquette between County Road 510 and North Basin Drive. The fire is located in very rugged, difficult terrain, making suppression efforts from firefighters on the ground very challenging. Two Fire Boss aircraft – which scoop up water to drop on the fire – from Minnesota and a Michigan State Police Aviation Type 2 helicopter are assisting with fire suppression efforts today. In addition, 40 DNR firefighters are on the ground working to establish dozer line where they can in an effort to establish containment lines. Negaunee Township Fire Department is also assisting.
Three residences on County Road 510 have been evacuated due to the Ridge Fire. Marquette County Sheriff’s Office has established an evacuation center at Negaunee Township Hall, located at 42 East State Hwy M-35 in Negaunee. The Red Cross will be assisting evacuees and their pets at this location. Officials have initiated the “Ready, Set, Go!” protocol for residents located along North Basin Drive. The current status is now at “Set,” which means residents in this area are encouraged to do the following:
Additional updates will be provided if the fire progresses to the point that triggers the “Go!” status.
The Noquemanon Trail system is closed west of the trailhead on County Road 510. Please avoid the area.
The Craig Lake Fire, estimated at approximately 30 acres, is burning north of Craig Lake State Park. This fire is in a very remote area that is also rugged terrain that is very difficult to access. The remote location and terrain of this fire also make suppression efforts very challenging. Firefighters are working to improve access to the fire area and establish a hand line, which includes clearing vegetation down to bare mineral soil to assist with containment lines.
A temporary flight restriction (TFR) is in place over both the Ridge Fire and Craig Lake Fire for a 5 nautical mile radius and below 3,500 feet. The public is asked to please avoid the area around both fires so that suppression efforts are not interrupted. Drones are not permitted in the fire area as they interfere with air operations.
“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.”
The DNR currently has 40 firefighters on the ground on the Ridge Fire and 12 firefighters on the ground on the Craig Lake Fire. An incident management team is preparing to take over the management of both fires. Additional support is being provided by Michigan State Police, Marquette County Sheriff’s Office and DNR Law Enforcement Division.
The fires were both spotted by a DNR pilot Friday, Oct. 9, with the Craig Lake Fire discovered at 1:48 p.m. and the Ridge Fire discovered at 3:55 p.m.; the cause of both fires is still under investigation.
Fire danger in the area is very high due to windy, dry, warm weather and dry fuels. The DNR reminds people to check Michigan.gov/BurnPermit before planning to burn yard debris or start a campfire, and always to have an accessible water source nearby. For more fire safety tips, visit Michigan.gov/PreventWildfires.
Accompanying photos, all taken by DNR pilots, are available below for download. The Craig Lake Fire picture is from approximately 9 a.m. Sunday; the Ridge Fire pictures were taken around 4:30 p.m. Sunday.
Water-scooping planes have been called in from Minnesota to help fight a remote wildfire north of Craig Lake in Baraga County.
The Michigan Department of Natural Resources’ Eastern and Western Upper Peninsula Citizens’ Advisory Councils are scheduled to hear presentations on DNR managed dams across the UP, a new technique to monitor walleye populations, as well as receive updates from the DNR’s deputy directors when the council meets Tuesday, Oct. 13.
Anyone planning a visit soon to Gourdneck State Game Area in Portage is asked to be patient as the Michigan Department of Natural Resources moves a construction project toward completion.
A new 66-foot, steel-hulled vessel to monitor Lake Michigan fisheries is replacing an older vessel and will mean more efficient and safer operations for Michigan Department of Natural Resources crew members.
On Sept. 28, 2026, the Cheboygan County Sheriff’s Office received a complaint regarding an 85-year-old male who had been reported missing. The subject was known to have dementia and short-term memory issues.
Here are a few of this week's stories from the Michigan Department of Natural Resources.
To ensure plans for Van Riper State Park in Champion and the 120-acre property that surrounds the Michigan Iron Industry Museum in Negaunee best meet the needs of visitors and the community, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources is seeking public input on new management plans for both popular Upper Peninsula properties located in Marquette County.
Straddling the Lake Superior and Lake Michigan watersheds and encompassing a wide range of forests, habitats, trails, rivers, lakes and trout streams, the Great Lakes Basin project is a truly exceptional part of Michigan.
Traverse City community collaborations focus of final Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund 50th anniversary event
