Wildland fire near Craig Lake
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CRAIG LAKE -- A wildland fire has been spotted near Craig Lake in Baraga County. According to Avi Shalom, fire specialist and Michigan Department of Natural Resources duty officer for the western Upper Peninsula, the fire was spotted at approximately 2:45 p.m. on Tuesday from detection aircraft. As of Friday, the fire was at least 16 acres in size.
"The access to the fire is very limited, so it's a challenging fire to get into right now," said Shalom, who also said that there was a risk of the fire spreading due to dry, windy conditions over the weekend.
"That is being factored in, and we are looking at strategic things to do to keep (the fire) small," said Shalom. "We're being aggressive with it, but there's some firefighter safety concerns with the rugged terrain and accessibility to the fire.
"It's challenging, but today's (Friday) going to be a day where we can see what we can do and we'll figure out where we're at at the end of the shift today."
In a Thursday release, the DNR warned that dry and windy conditions are expected across the U.P. over the weekend and that there is elevated risk of wildfires.
"Grasses have dried out and leaves are starting to drop, which adds a layer of fuel that can feed and speed the spread of a wildfire," said Paul Rogers, fire prevention specialist with the DNR. "Make sure to check for a burn permit before you burn any yard debris and be careful of heat or sparks from equipment and off-road vehicles."
The Craig Lake fire came as drought conditions in the U.P. continue and slightly worsen in some counties.
Over the last week, according to data from the National Drought Mitigation Center, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Administration, the United States Department of Agriculture and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, drought conditions have worsened in northern Delta County, most of Schoolcraft and Dickinson counties and some areas in Marquette, Baraga and Marinette counties.
Most of the U.P., including Marquette and Baraga counties, is currently categorized as D1 and D2 -- moderate or severe drought. Areas of the southern and western U.P. are even into D3 and D4 -- extreme and exceptional drought.
Forecasts for today predict strong southerly winds of 10 to 20 mph, with gusts up to 40 mph in the afternoon and evening. The DNR has warned that these conditions can quickly carry embers a long distance.
The DNR has put out these tips to further ensure fire safety over the next few days:
• if a backyard fire gets away from you, call 911 immediately. Do not try to put it out yourself first.
• keep a hose or other water source nearby when burning.
• keep trailer chains from dragging when you're on the road and don't park hot equipment on dry grass, as heat from the exhaust can spark a fire.
• contain your campfire or bonfire in a pit or metal ring and make sure you put it out thoroughly before leaving for the night. Douse the fire with water, stir the ashes and douse again.
• never leave any fire -- including hot coals -- unattended.
More information on fire management and safety can be found at michigan.gov/dnr/managing-resources/forestry/fire.
Annie Lippert can be reached at 906-228-2500, ext. 550. Her email address is alippert@miningjournal.net.