MI Wildfires Force Evacuations

Multiple northern Michigan homes were evacuated Sunday as firefighters battle two large wildfires in the region, officials said.

Residents along County Road 510 in Marquette County were forced to leave their homes due to the Ridge Fire, which is burning roughly 256 acres 10 miles northwest of Marquette between County Road 510 and North Basin Drive, officials said.

The Marquette County Sheriff’s Office has established an evacuation center at Negaunee Township Hall, located at 42 East State Hwy M-35 in Negaunee, officials said.

Officials warned residents along the North Basin Drive may also be forced to evacuate. They have issued a "Set" status under the “Ready, Set, Go!” protocol for residents, advising them to pack emergency supplies and monitor local alerts.

The fire is located in very rugged and difficult terrain, making suppression efforts from firefighters on the ground very challenging, officials said.

Two Fire Boss aircrafts, which scoop up water to drop on the fire, are helping firefighters suppress the blaze, officials said.

Additionally, roughly 40 DNR and Negaunee Township firefighters are on the ground working to establish containment lines, officials said.

Another wildfire is burning roughly 30 acres north of Craig Lake State Park in Baraga County, officials said.

Officials said the fire is also in a very remote area with rugged terrain, making it difficult for firefighters to reach.

Firefighters were working to clear vegetation to establish a hard line and prevent the fire from spreading, officials said.

The Craig Lake State Park fire has not forced any evacuations.

Officials asked residents to stay at least 5 miles away from the areas where firefighters were battling the blazes. They also asked residents to not fly drones in the areas.

"Both fires are fueled by a mix of conifers and hardwoods on ridge tops and a mix of balsam and spruce in the lowlands," DNR Incident Command Keith Murphy said. "Public safety and firefighter safety remain our top priority."

The fires were both spotted by a DNR pilot on Friday afternoon.

Officials are still investigating the cause of the fires. They added that fire danger in the area is very high due to windy, dry and warm weather.