Michigan Upper Peninsula wildfires continue to burn

Two wildfires are currently burning in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. The Craig Lake Fire, located north of Craig Lake State Park, was determined by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) to have been caused by lightning.

The second blaze, known as the Ridge Fire, is burning approximately 10 miles northwest of Marquette. Both fires were first spotted by a DNR pilot on October 9.

According to DNR Incident Command Keith Murphy, the fires are fueled by a combination of conifers and hardwoods on ridge tops, as well as balsam and spruce in the lowlands. While recent rain has assisted containment efforts, crews continue to battle the fires in difficult terrain. Officials have issued warnings for the public to avoid the area and have implemented flight restrictions and a strict drone ban to ensure firefighter safety.