NEGAUNEE TOWNSHIP, Mich. (WLUC) – In a Facebook post from the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, they cite that officials have updated the message “Ready, Set, Go!” » protocol for residents along North Basin Drive to “Set”.
Residents in this area are encouraged to monitor local emergency alerts, load vehicles with emergency equipment and valuables and be prepared to leave, as conditions can change quickly.
A DNR news release estimates the fire has grown to 256 acres.
The release states that a temporary flight restriction is in place over the Ridge Fire and the Craig Lake Fire within five nautical miles and below 3,500 feet. The public is asked to avoid the area around the fire so suppression efforts are not disrupted. No drones are allowed to fly in the fire zone.
“Both fires are fueled by a mix of conifers and hardwoods on the ridge tops and a mix of balsam fir and spruce in the lowlands,” said Keith Murphy, DNR incident command. “The safety of the public and that of firefighters remains our top priority. »
There are currently 40 firefighters on the ground at the Ridge Fire. An incident management team is preparing to take over management of the Craig Lake and Ridge fires.
The cause of the fire is still under investigation.
The DNR is supported by the Michigan State Police, the Marquette County Sheriff’s Office and the DNR Law Enforcement Division.
Last published on 10/11/26 at 12:26 p.m.
While crews battle the fire on County Road 510, some residents have been evacuated for safety.
A TV6 reporter at the scene spoke with a member of the Michigan Department of Natural Resources who said they had evacuated four homes on County Road 510.
***Editor’s Note: After a phone call with DNR Fire Specialist Keith Murphy on Sunday afternoon, it was revealed that the DNR urged four homeowners to evacuate, but one refused, so only three homes were successfully evacuated.***
The DNR member said the evacuations were temporary and residents were told they could return home Sunday evening. The DNR member was unable to share the exact extent of the fire with the reporter.
Evacuation information
A Facebook post from the Michigan Department of Natural Resources published Sunday afternoon says the Marquette County Sheriff’s Office has established an evacuation center at Negaunee Town Hall, 42 East State Hwy M-35, in Negaunee Township. The Red Cross helps evacuees and their pets in the hall.
The message states that officials have implemented the “Ready, Set, Go!” » protocol for residents along North Basin Drive. The current resident status is “Ready,” which means residents in the area are encouraged to:
- Remove dry brush and debris within 30 to 100 feet of your home so firefighters can protect it.
- Plan an evacuation route
- Prepare an emergency bag including medications, important documents, and pet supplies
- Monitor information from the DNR and Marquette County Sheriff’s Office on social media and local news
The message indicates that additional updates will be provided if the fire progresses and causes the protocol to reach “Set” status.
Latest news on the status of the fire
The lines are in place and holding, but the wildfire that broke out Friday afternoon in Negaunee Township has expanded “dramatically” due to the difficult terrain and high winds, Murphy said in a Sunday morning phone call with TV6.
The fire, also known as the Ridge Fire, was first reported shortly after 4 p.m. Friday on County Road 510 near North Basin Drive in Negaunee Township.
The true size of the fire, which was estimated to be about two or three acres on Friday, is unknown at this time, but Murphy says the fire grew “significantly” overnight with the high winds.
The DNR says it will provide more information later.
A post from the Michigan DNR Facebook page says two Fire Boss aircraft from Minnesota and a Type 2 helicopter from the Michigan State Police Aviation Unit are assisting in fire suppression efforts by picking up and dropping water on the fire.
The fire is located approximately 16 miles northwest of Marquette, between County Road 510 and North Basin Drive in northern Marquette County.
Other Responses to Wildfires
Murphy says the DNR is responding to several wildfires in the area, including one in Wakefield, one that is about 4 acres near Humboldt, another that is “small and contained” near Shingleton and another that is about 1.5 acres in Luce County.
TV6 will continue to provide updates as more information becomes available.
Impacts of outdoor recreation
A post Sunday afternoon on the Michigan Department of Natural Resources Facebook page says the Noquemanon trail system, west of the 510 trailhead, is closed due to the Ridge Fire and people should avoid the area.
Previous coverage:
- Bush fire breaks out in Negaunee Township
The video above will showcase the Live broadcast from TV6 until staff can extract the corresponding story, if available, from TV6 broadcasts or other content. You can subscribe to our YouTube Page Or download TV6+ to deliver the latest local news and weather.
Copyright 2026 WLUC. All rights reserved.
Gn usa
