10/13/2026
Craig Lake Wildfire Update from the Michigan DNR:
Cooler temperatures and higher relative humidity helped to calm fire activity on both the Ridge Fire and Craig Lake Fire in Marquette and Baraga counties Monday. DNR firefighters took advantage of the assistance from the weather and were able to make progress on containment efforts on both fires.
The Craig Lake Fire north of Craig Lake State Park is now estimated to be 400 acres and 25% contained. In addition to burning in extremely rugged terrain, this fire is also in a very remote area, making access very challenging for firefighters. Portions of the fire area are only accessible on foot without the possibility of gaining access with fire equipment. Firefighters are using hand tools to establish containment lines where they are able to gain access.
The Ridge Fire (photo below is along the eastern flank of the Ridge Fire Monday afternoon), located 10 miles northwest of Marquette, is now estimated to be 450 acres and 20% contained. Firefighters are focusing on gaining access to areas where they can directly attack the fire, as well as establishing containment lines where they can gain access with equipment. The Noquemanon Trail system west of the trailhead on County Road 510 remains closed.
A shift in direction to a north wind has resulted in heavy wildfire smoke blanketing communities and the region south of both fires. The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy has issued an air quality alert for Baraga, Marquette, Iron, Dickinson and Menominee counties.
“We’re grateful for the changing weather conditions that have allowed us to make some containment progress on both fires,” said Nate Stearns, DNR incident commander.
The DNR currently has 34 firefighters on the ground on the Ridge Fire and 17 firefighters on the ground on the Craig Lake Fire.
