DNR urges extreme fire caution as crews battle 16 small fires across the Upper Peninsula

Michigan Department of Natural Resources firefighters across the Upper Peninsula are reminding the public to be extra careful with fire as numerous small blazes have ignited across the region over the past few days.

“Currently, there are 16 fires across the U.P. that we are working or checking daily,” said Keith Murphy, fire management specialist with the DNR’s Forest Resources Division in Marquette. “The majority of these are suspected to be lightning caused.”

Lightning fires touched off during thunderstorms may smolder for a few days before being discovered. These fires are often located in remote locations that can make fighting the fires challenging.

Nine of the blazes are burning in Marquette County, with the largest being the so-called Section 27 North Fire, which has burned 9.8 acres north of the Dead River Basin and west of Marquette County Road 510.

“We have received a lot of smoke reports and calls from concerned citizens on this one,” Murphy said.

Stay tuned to local media for updates as the situation continues to unfold.

Baraga and Crystal Falls units of the DNR are battling a roughly two-acre fire south of Nestoria in neighboring Baraga County.

In Luce County, a small fire is being fought on the Tahquamenon River edge, while crews are engaged with another fire in Dickinson County.

In addition, fires from previous days are still being checked in Schoolcraft, Delta and Menominee counties.

Fire danger readings across the U.P. today are either high or very high, with the exception of the tip of the Keweenaw Peninsula, which was reporting medium fire risk.

Permits for outdoor debris burning are not being issued today for the entire U.P. and the northern half of the Lower Peninsula. To find out when burning is allowed in your location, visit Michigan.gov/BurnPermit.

For more information on wildfires in Michigan visit Michigan.gov/FireManagement.