Wildfires prompt evacuations in Michigan's Upper Peninsula

The Detroit News on Oct 11, 2026

By clicking submit, I authorize Arcamax and its affiliates to: (1) use, sell, and share my information for marketing purposes, including cross-context behavioral advertising, as described in our Privacy Policy , (2) add to information that I provide with other information like interests inferred from web page views, or data lawfully obtained from data brokers, such as past purchase or location data, or publicly available data, (3) contact me or enable others to contact me by email or other means with offers for different types of goods and services, and (4) retain my information while I am engaging with marketing messages that I receive and for a reasonable amount of time thereafter. I understand I can opt out at any time through an email that I receive, or by clicking here

Firefighters are working to tame two wildfires in Michigan's Upper Peninsula in Marquette and Baraga counties.

The larger fire is estimated at 256 acres and is burning about 10 miles northwest of Marquette, between County Road 510 and North Basin Drive, according to the Michigan Department of Natural Resources on Oct. 11. Three homes have been evacuated in Marquette County on County Road 510.

"The fire is located in very rugged, difficult terrain, making suppression efforts from firefighters on the ground very challenging," the Michigan Department of Natural Resources said in a statement.

An evacuation center has been 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 post said.

A Ready, Set, Go!" procedure has been 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 your home

• Plan an evacuation route

• Pack an emergency bag with medicine, important documents and pet supplies

• Monitor the status of the fire from the DNR and the Marquette County Sheriff's Office on social media

The evacuations are temporary, and residents will be allowed to return to their homes later Sunday, TV6 reported. The fire has grown "significantly" due to the rugged terrain and high winds, the station reported. The National Weather Service in Marquette reported wind gusts up to 31 mph.

DNR fire crews are on the scene, and 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, the DNR said in a post.

The second wildfire, being called the Craig Lake Fire, has burned an estimated 30 acres north of Craig Lake State Park in a remote, rugged area that authorities say 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.

Temporary 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.

A DNR pilot spotted both fires Oct. 9, discovering the Craig Lake Fire at 1:48 p.m. and the Ridge Fire at 3:55 p.m. The causes of both fires remain under investigation.

“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 has deployed 40 firefighters to battle the Ridge Fire and 12 to fight the Craig Lake Fire. An incident management team is preparing to take command of both operations, with additional assistance from Michigan State Police, the Marquette County Sheriff's Office and the DNR's Law Enforcement Division.