Cool, wet weather helps fight Ridge Fire
The Black River Fire. (Photo courtesy of The U.S. Forest Service - Ottawa National Forest, Josh Lopac)
The Ridge Fire. (Photo courtesy of the Michigan Department of Natural Resources)
The Black River Fire. (Photo courtesy of The U.S. Forest Service - Ottawa National Forest, Josh Lopac)
The Ridge Fire. (Photo courtesy of the Michigan Department of Natural Resources)
Trending
MARQUETTE COUNTY -- Cooler temperatures and precipitation have allowed firefighters to make progress on the Ridge Fire in northern Marquette County and Craig Lake Fire in eastern Baraga County, according to the Michigan Department of Natural Resources. Both fires were spotted by Michigan Department of Natural Resources pilots on Friday.
On Monday, the DNR reported that "DNR firefighters took advantage of the assistance from the weather and were able to make progress on containment efforts on both fires."
As of Monday, the DNR was reporting that the Ridge Fire, located approximately 10 miles northwest of Marquette, was estimated to be 450 acres, and was 20% contained. The Craig Lake fire, located north of Craig Lake State Park, was estimated to be 400 acres and was 25% contained.
"The very rugged terrain that the fire is burning in presents significant challenges to suppression efforts," said the DNR about the Ridge Fire. "Firefighters are focusing on gaining access to areas where they can directly attack the fire, as well as establishing containment lines where they can gain access with equipment. The cooperation of local landowners working with DNR firefighters to provide local knowledge of the landscape has been immensely helpful in building firefighter knowledge of the area, assisting in suppression efforts."
Evacuation orders on three homes in the area have been lifted, and the "Ready, Set, Go!" protocol had been reduced from "Set" to "Ready" status. The Noquemanon Trail System west of the trailhead on County Road 510 remains closed.
"Residents are encouraged to continue to be prepared in case conditions change," said the DNR.
The Craig Lake Fire has also proven difficult to contain, as, according to the DNR, "portions of the fire area are only accessible on foot without the possibility of gaining access with fire equipment. Firefighters are using hand tools to establish containment lines where they are able to gain access."
As of Monday, the DNR was reporting that they had 34 firefighters on the ground at the Ridge Fire, and 17 firefighters on the ground at the Craig Lake Fire. An 18-person DNR Incident Management Team has been managing both fires, and the DNR has received assistance from Michigan State Police, Marquette County Sheriff's Office, Baraga County Emergency Management and DNR Law Enforcement Division.
"We're grateful for the changing weather conditions that have allowed us to make some containment progress on both fires," said Nate Stearns, DNR incident commander. "Public safety and firefighter safety remain our top priority."
Winds out of the north have blown wildfire smoke into more populated areas such as Ishpeming, Negaunee, Marquette and Michigamme. On Monday, EGLE issued an air quality alert for Baraga, Marquette, Iron, Dickinson and Menominee counties, with air quality reported at "Unhealthy for sensitive groups" and "Unhealthy" levels. Residents should be alert about new or worsening symptoms such as shortness of breath or coughing, and limit outdoor activities.
Another wildland fire in the U.P., the Black River Fire in the Ottawa National Forest, was estimated to be at 300 acres and 40% contained as of Monday evening, according to the U.S. Forest Service.
"The fire is located south of Wakefield, Michigan in a densely forested area with difficult access directly along the fire's edge," said the U.S. Forest Service. "(On Monday), resources worked hard constructing control line around the perimeter and working to secure the fire’s edge to minimize growth. Dozer line was completed on the north side of the fire this afternoon.
"(On Tuesday), crews and dozer will be focusing efforts on securing the southern edge.
Higher relative humidity and precipitation is forecast for this evening which should greatly moderate fire activity overnight and aid in suppression efforts tomorrow."
No-fly zones are currently in effect over all three fires for a five-mile radius and below 3,500 feet.
Annie Lippert can be reached at 906-228-2500, ext. 550. Her email address is alippert@miningjournal.net.