# Wildfires in Michigan Upper Peninsula

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/wildfires-in-michigan-upper-peninsula
> Updated: 2026-10-18T17:19:34.000Z. Sources: 7. Developments: 4.

Wildfires continue to burn in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, specifically within the Rugged Terrain Complex. While the Ridge Fire and Craig Lake Fire were initially identified on October 9, new reports confirm that lightning strikes caused both the Craig Lake Fire and the newly identified Black River Fire.

Containment levels have improved for several blazes. The Craig Lake Fire is now 90 percent contained and covers approximately 606 acres. The Black River Fire is 70 percent contained across about 350 acres. The Ridge Fire, which spans 466 acres, has reached 50 percent containment, though its exact cause remains under investigation.

Firefighting efforts are being hampered by severe to exceptional drought conditions, which the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) reports are at their worst in 20 to 30 years. Despite recent rainfall, a persistent moisture deficit remains, with fires reportedly burning up to two feet deep into the duff layer.

## Timeline

### 2026-10-18: Lightning strikes cause wildfires in Michigan's Upper Peninsula

Lightning strikes caused the Black River and Craig Lake wildfires in Michigan's Upper Peninsula. Despite containment progress, severe drought conditions continue to complicate firefighting efforts.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/lightning-strikes-cause-wildfires-in-michigans-upper-peninsula

### 2026-10-16: Michigan Upper Peninsula wildfires continue to burn

Two wildfires, the Craig Lake Fire and the Ridge Fire, continue to burn in Michigan's Upper Peninsula following a lightning strike on October 9.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/michigan-upper-peninsula-wildfires-continue-to-burn

### 2026-10-13: Michigan wildfires continue in Upper Peninsula

Firefighters are battling the Ridge and Craig Lake fires in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. Both fires are 20% contained, with the Craig Lake Fire confirmed to have been caused by a lightning strike.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/michigan-wildfires-continue-in-upper-peninsula

### 2026-10-12: Wildfires in Northern Michigan prompt evacuations

Wildfires in Michigan's Marquette and Baraga counties have prompted evacuations of three homes. Crews are battling the Ridge Fire and Craig Lake Fire amid high drought and fire danger.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/wildfires-in-northern-michigan-prompt-evacuations

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Cite as: Wildfires in Michigan Upper Peninsula. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/wildfires-in-michigan-upper-peninsula