Wet weather both helps, hurts firefighting efforts
Trending
MARQUETTE -- The wet weather over the past few days has significantly lowered fire activity at the various wildland fires across the Upper Peninsula. However, wet weather also creates difficult, hazardous conditions for the people fighting those fires, and rain alone will not put them out.
As of a Tuesday night Michigan Department of Natural Resources update, the Craig Lake fire was at 600 acres, with 20% contained and the Ridge Fire was at 450 acres, also with 20% contained.
"While the moisture is helping crews build containment lines, tackle remote areas and use direct attack tactics, it also brings serious new hazards," said the DNR.
"Treacherous Terrain: Muddy roads and slippery, exposed rock make access and suppression efforts difficult.
"Deep Burning & Falling Trees: Due to ongoing drought conditions, fires are burning up to 2 feet deep in the duff layer, weakening root systems and causing green trees to fall without notice."
The "duff layer" is a layer of partially decayed organic matter located under the leaf litter and above mineral soil, which will not be extinguished by rain alone.
The source of the Craig Lake fire has been identified as a lightning strike, which smoldered for several days before high wind conditions allowed it to ignite dry fuels, resulting in a wildfire. The cause of the Ridge Fire has yet to be identified.
Evacuation procedures for residents of North Bain Drive remain at "Ready," and the Noquemanon Trail Network west of the County Road 510 trailhead remains closed. A flight restriction is in place for five nautical miles and below 3,500 for each of the fires, and drones are strictly prohibited.
"Please avoid the area to keep our 70+ on-the-ground firefighters and multi-agency support teams safe," said the DNR.
The Black River Fire has been transferred over to the MI DNR from the U.S. Forest Service, as of Tuesday.
"Resources on scene have not changed," said the U.S. Forest Service – Ottawa National Forest. "It’s been a cooperative effort and has stayed a cooperative effort between agencies, but because of the land jurisdiction the DNR has taken command."
On Tuesday, the U.S. Forest Service reported that the Black River Fire was approximately 300+ acres, and was 50% contained. The cause is still under investigation.
There are no current evacuations or threats to structures associated with that fire.
"Cooler temperatures, higher relative humidity and light precipitation have greatly moderated fire activity aiding in suppression efforts, however there is still plenty of heat within the fire footprint, especially along marsh areas," said the U.S. Forest Service. "Winds are expected to increase later in the week, which will test containment lines."
Annie Lippert can be reached at 906-228-2500, ext. 550. Her email address is alippert@miningjournal.net.