Wet conditions continue to impede firefighting efforts as containment
The Ridge Fire, as photographed on Wednesday. (Photo courtesy of the Michigan Department of Natural Resources)
Fire crews work to contain a U.P. fire. (Photo courtesy of the Michigan Department of Natural Resources)
The Ridge Fire, as photographed on Wednesday. (Photo courtesy of the Michigan Department of Natural Resources)
Fire crews work to contain a U.P. fire. (Photo courtesy of the Michigan Department of Natural Resources)
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UPPER PENINSULA -- The several wildland fires across the Upper Peninsula are being increasingly contained by firefighting crews, which are battling against hazardous conditions caused by a week of wet weather.
The Michigan Department of Natural Resources reports that the Ridge Fire was at 466 acres, with 30% contained. That fire is located approximately 10 miles northwest of Marquette and the cause remains under investigation.
The Craig Lake Fire was estimated to be at 606 acres and 57% contained as of Thursday. That fire is located north of Craig lake State Park, and was caused by a lightning strike.
The Black River Fire was estimated at 382 acres and 50% contained. That fire is located about 4 miles south of Wakefield, and the cause remains under investigation.
Firefighters are "facing tough conditions including muddy roads, slippery rocks, and falling trees due to deep-burning fires in the duff layer," said the DNR.
The "duff layer" is a layer of partially decayed, flammable material below the leaf litter, which can burn several feet into the ground.
"It's not just fire that causes safety concerns for firefighters when they are working on suppression efforts," said the DNR. "While rain has calmed fire behavior, it has greatly impacted access into and within the fire area. Trails and other access routes, which weren't meant for the type of traffic they are seeing from the equipment needed for fire suppression are being compromised. Some are muddy, rutted and even impassable in some locations, increasing the likelihood of equipment getting stuck.
"Slippery rocks in the areas of the Ridge and Craig Lake fires' rugged terrain are also a concern, along with the significant risk posed by falling trees. With the fire burning deep into the duff layer, the root systems of trees are burning and causing the trees to fall. This hazard is growing as wind speeds increase. The fire crews are getting critical assistance from the Marquette National Weather Service to help prepare for and mitigate the hazards associated with weather events.
"Firefighters must be aware of their surroundings at all times to protect themselves and their fellow crew members - all while continuing to protect people, their property and our natural resources."
"Firefighter safety is a top priority at all times," said Nate Stearns, DNR incident commander. "To be able to suppress wildfires to protect the public, their property and our natural resources, we have to make sure our crews are safe. We are specially trained to watch out for hazards, risks and one another -- and how we're approaching these fires is no different."
Portions of Craig Lake State Park and the North Country Trail are temporarily closed through October, and the Noquemanon Trail Network west of the County Road 510 trailhead also remains closed.
Residents along North Basin Drive remain at "Ready" status in the "Ready, Set, Go!" evacuation protocol. Residents are encouraged to continue to be prepared in case conditions change.
A temporary flight restriction, or TFR, remains in place over both the Ridge Fire and Craig Lake Fire for a 5-nautical-mile radius and below 3,500 feet. The public is asked to please avoid the area around both fires so that suppression efforts are not interrupted. Drones are not permitted in the fire area as they will impede air operations.
Cooperating on Black River Fire suppression efforts are: the U.S. Wildland Fire Service, Keweenaw Bay Indian Community, Bay Mills Indian Community, the Marquette National Weather Service, Gogebic County Sheriff's Office, Gogebic County Emergency Management, Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, Bessemer Township Local Fire Department, Wakefield Local Fire Department and additional resources provided by U.S. Forest Service Ottawa National Forest.
As always, the DNR reminds people to check Michigan.gov/BurnPermit before planning to burn yard debris or start a campfire, and to have an accessible water source nearby. For more fire safety tips, visit Michigan.gov/PreventWildfires.
Annie Lippert can be reached at 906-228-2500, ext. 550. Her email address is alippert@miningjournal.net.