Overview
- A DNR pilot first spotted both fires on Friday, with the Ridge Fire northwest of Marquette now estimated at about 256 acres and the Craig Lake Fire north of Craig Lake State Park at roughly 30 acres.
- About 40 DNR firefighters, dozer crews, two Minnesota Fire Boss water‑scooping planes and a Michigan State Police helicopter are concentrating on the Ridge Fire while roughly 12 firefighters work to contain the Craig Lake Fire.
- Three homes on County Road 510 have been evacuated and the Marquette County Sheriff’s Office opened an evacuation center at Negaunee Township Hall for residents asked to be ready to leave.
- Crews face limited ground access because both blazes burn in remote, rugged terrain and through dry grasses, leaves and mixed forest, so teams are relying on aerial water drops and dozer lines to build containment.
- The Michigan DNR says causes of both fires are under investigation and it is urging people to follow Ready, Set, Go guidance, check burn permits and avoid closed trails in affected areas.