‘Ready’ status lifted for North Basin Drive residents lifted
Ridge Fire 50% contained, Craig Lake Fire 90% contained
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On Sunday, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources reported that containment had progressed on all three active U.P. fires.
The Ridge Fire was reported at 70% contained, and its cause has been confirmed as a lightning strike. The Craig Lake Fire, which was also started by a lightning strike, was reported at 90% contained, and the Black River Fire was at 50% containment. The cause of the Black River Fire remains under investigation.
The "Ready" status for residents of North Basin Drive was lifted Monday afternoon, but the Noquemanon Trail system west of the County Road 510 trailhead remains closed. Portions of Craig Lake State Park north of Craig Lake proper, the Teddy Lake Yurt, and the North Country Trail within the park are temporarily closed through October. The rest of the park remains open.
On Friday, the DNR reported that the three fires were being managed as a "Rugged Terrain Complex."
"One incident management team managing all three fires, known as a "complex," allows for better coordination, logistical support, more streamlined communication and better efficiency," said the DNR's Friday news release.
"Safety of the public and firefighters is the top priority for the Rugged Terrain Complex. Due to the significant hazards posed by falling trees and the sustained high winds within the area of all three fires on the Complex, fire crews spent Friday focusing on rehabbing equipment and patrolling. With a substantial amount of rain being received across the entire Rugged Lake Complex, fire behavior remained low with no fire spread anticipated."