10/12/2026
Hoping for some rain tonight!
UPDATE: Ridge & Craig Lake Fires
Cooler temperatures and higher humidity have helped calm fire activity, allowing DNR firefighters to make progress on containment.
Current Status:
Ridge Fire (Marquette Co.): ~450 acres - 20% contained. Good news that evacuation orders for County Road 510 have been lifted, and North Basin Drive has shifted back to a "Ready" status. (Note: The Noquemanon Trail west of the CR 510 trailhead remains closed).
Craig Lake Fire (Baraga Co.): ~400 acres - 25% contained. Crews continue to tackle this extremely remote, rugged terrain primarily on foot with hand tools.
⚠️ Important Advisories:
Air Quality Alert: A shift to northern winds has brought heavy smoke across Baraga, Marquette, Iron, Dickinson, and Menominee counties. Please limit intense outdoor activities if you experience symptoms like coughing or shortness of breath.
Flight Restrictions & Drones: A 5-mile temporary flight restriction (TFR) remains active below 3,500 feet. Drones are strictly prohibited in the fire area as they force all aerial firefighting operations to a halt! Those aerial operations have been a huge assistance in fighting these fires.
Thank you to our dedicated DNR ground crews, local landowners, and all supporting agencies - Michigan State Police, Marquette County Sheriff’s Office, Baraga County Emergency Management, and DNR Law Enforcement Division.
The fires were both spotted by a DNR pilot on Friday, October 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.
