DETROIT — All three wildfires burning in Michigan's Upper Peninsula are now at least 50% contained, state officials said Monday.

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources also announced that it had lifted the evacuation warning for residents living near one of the blazes.

Since Oct. 11, residents on North Basin Drive in Marquette County had been told to make plans to evacuate in case the Ridge Fire made its way closer to their homes.

DNR said the recent rain and relatively cool temperatures allowed firefighters to establish containment lines, preventing the fires from expanding.

“Thanks to the hard work of the fire crews out on the line and the information that we were able to gather through various tools like the infrared drone flight, we’re happy to be able to lift the ‘Ready’ status for area residents,” said Nate Stearns, commander of the team working to manage the Ridge Fire, Craig Lake Fire and Black River Fire, collectively known as the Rugged Terrain Complex.

Mary Pace, who has lives on North Basin Drive, said she's relieved that she no longer has to worry about packing up and leaving her home.

"I am grateful to the Michigan DNR and all of the firefighters who worked so hard and risked their safety to make sure that our homes and properties were safe from the fire," Pace told The Detroit News. "This is the first time in 27 years of living on North Basin Drive that we have had to worry about a fire. I really hope it's the last!"

Here's where the effort stands.

— Ridge Fire: This blaze, burning about 10 miles northwest of Marquette, north of the Dead River Basin and west of County Road 510 in Marquette County, is about 466 acres in size. It is now an estimated 50% contained, DNR said on Oct. 19. Though the evacuation warning is lifted, the nearby Noquemanon Trail system remains closed.

— Craig Fire: Having burned some 606 acres in Baraga County, this fire is now 90% contained, DNR said. Several areas remain closed to the public including parts of Craig Lake State Park north of the lake, including the North Country Trail, as well as the Teddy Lake Yurt.

— Black River Fire: This fire in Gogebic County is about 350 acres in size and is 70% contained, officials said. Members of the public are urged to stay clear of the area to avoid interfering in fire suppression efforts.

A DNR pilot spotted the Craig Lake and Ridge fires Oct. 9 while flying over the area. The Black River fire was discovered two days later.

The cause of the Ridge Fire remains under investigation. The other two were ignited by lightning, state officials said.

A team of 73 firefighters with support from numerous local, state and federal agencies continue to work to fight the fires.

_____

©2026 www.detroitnews.com. Visit at detroitnews.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.