DNR fights two wildfires in Upper Peninsula amid dry conditions

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources is battling two wildfires in the Upper Peninsula. The Ridge Fire, estimated at 256 acres, is located about 10 miles northwest of Marquette between County Road 510 and North Basin Drive. The Craig Lake Fire, about 30 acres, is burning north of Craig Lake State Park in a remote, rugged area.

An update released Monday afternoon noted that Ridge Fire activity has settled due to increased humidity and lower temperatures. The DNR and Marquette County Sheriff's Office lifted the evacuation order for residents on County Road 510, and the “Ready, Set, Go” status for residents on North Basin Drive has returned to “ready.” An evacuation center has been set up at Negaunee Township Hall at 42 East State Hwy M-35 in Negaunee.

Suppression efforts are challenging because both fires are in rugged terrain. Two Fire Boss aircraft from Minnesota, a helicopter from MSP, and 40 DNR firefighters on the ground are working to establish a dozer line. Public safety and firefighter safety remain top priorities, as noted by DNR Incident Command.

Read the full story at wxyz.com.