After weeks of battling the Rugged Terrain Complex fires, crews in the Upper Peninsula are beginning to wind down operations, with firefighters now concentrating on extinguishing remaining hot spots and monitoring containment lines.
“Because firefighters have done such a fantastic job with suppression efforts, we can reduce resources actively working these fires,” said Jennifer Hansen, deputy incident commander with the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR). “We are finding fewer hot spots, which allows us to move into more of a monitoring strategy. Staff continue to check and extinguish the hot spots they can safely reach.”
One threat to firefighter safety are the trees damaged during the fires. The DNR says roots were burned during the wildfires and trees have been falling across containment lines. This interrupts access for firefighters working on the remaining suppression efforts.
Firefighters are identifying areas where hot spots are still present. These spots are opened up to surface weather conditions and are doused with water.
Water is being delivered to crews in a few ways. Engines or utility terrain vehicles are delivering water when access is available. There is also a network of hoses and pumps for crews on foot.
For the Black River Fire, almost two miles of hose have been laid out to provide water access.
DNR pilots are also using drone-mounted infrared cameras to find areas with strong heat signatures. In less than three hours after the drone liftoff, firefighters receive GPS coordinates and information on the size and density of lingering fire activity.
“There is still quite a bit of work to do, but the volatility of these fires is under control,” said Keith Murphy, DNR fire specialist. “Realistically, portions of these fires will not be truly extinguished until there is sufficient snow cover. Until then, we will keep many watchful eyes on each of them.”
The DNR has given the following updates regarding the three fires currently burning in the Upper Peninsula:
The Ridge Fire is estimated at 466 acres and is 50% contained. The Noquemanon Trail system, which is west of the trailhead on County Road 510, remains closed.
The Craig Lake Fire has burned 606 acres and is 90% contained. Craig Lake State Park north of Craig Lake, the Teddy Lake Yurt and the North Country Trail within the park are all currently closed.
The Black River Fire is estimated at 326 acres and is 70% contained.
According to the DNR, the Craig Lake fire and the Black River fire were started because of lightning strikes.
The cause of the Ridge Fire is still under investigation.
Across the Rugged Terrain Complex, 27 firefighters were active on Tuesday.
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