Michigan firefighters have made major progress against three wildfires that burned approximately 1,450 acres across the Upper Peninsula in October. With the Craig Lake and Black River fires now fully contained and the Ridge Fire nearing containment, conditions are improving for hunters, although some access restrictions and hazards may remain.
The Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) announced on November 5 that two of the three wildfires in the Upper Peninsula’s Rugged Terrain Complex have reached 100% containment. The third, the Ridge Fire near Marquette, is approximately 85% contained following weeks of firefighting operations and recent heavy rainfall.
The announcement marks a significant improvement since Hunterizer’s October 20 report on the Upper Peninsula wildfires, which detailed the fires’ impact on public land access during Michigan’s fall hunting seasons.
Latest Fire Conditions
According to the DNR’s November 5 update, the three fires have affected approximately 1,450 acres:
- Craig Lake Fire (Baraga County): Approximately 600 acres, 100% contained. The fire started October 8 near the northern portion of Craig Lake State Park and was caused by lightning.
- Black River Fire (Gogebic County): Approximately 350 acres, 100% contained. Located four miles south of Wakefield, this fire was also caused by lightning and was first detected October 11.
- Ridge Fire (Marquette County): Approximately 500 acres, 85% contained. Located about 10 miles northwest of Marquette near the Dead River Basin, the fire was discovered October 9. Its cause remains under investigation.
Recent rainfall has helped firefighters suppress lingering hot spots, particularly those burning beneath the forest floor. Additional precipitation and possible snowfall are expected to further improve conditions. However, containment does not necessarily mean a fire is completely extinguished. Underground heat can persist in the forest’s organic soil layer even after flames are no longer visible.
What Does This Mean for Michigan Hunters?
The improving fire situation is welcome news as Michigan approaches its November 15 firearm deer season opener. Hunters planning trips to the Upper Peninsula may encounter fewer disruptions from active firefighting operations, but access to previously affected areas should not be assumed.
Earlier in October, the DNR temporarily closed portions of Craig Lake State Park north of Craig Lake, including the Teddy Lake Yurt and sections of the North Country Trail. The Noquemanon Trail system west of County Road 510 near the Ridge Fire was also closed during suppression operations.
The latest containment announcement does not explicitly confirm that all these closures have been lifted. Hunters should verify current trail and park access before entering previously restricted locations.
Additional hazards may remain in burned areas, including unstable trees with damaged root systems, weakened ground and underground hot spots. Hunters should avoid entering closed areas and remain alert for fire-damaged trees when scouting, hiking or placing deer stands.
The fires have not resulted in any announced regional deer hunting season closure, and normal hunting seasons continue in areas where public access is permitted.
Fire Danger Remains a Consideration
Despite the improving conditions, Michigan officials continue to emphasize wildfire prevention. Hunters using campsites or building campfires should check local restrictions and exercise caution around dry vegetation. The DNR recommends checking Michigan.gov/BurnPermit before outdoor burning and keeping water readily available whenever fires are permitted. For the latest official information, see the Michigan DNR’s November 5 wildfire update: https://www.michigan.gov/dnr/about/newsroom/releases/2026/11/05/craig-lake-and-black-river-fires
Plan Your Michigan Hunt With Hunterizer
As Michigan’s firearm deer season approaches, hunters can use the Hunterizer app to check open hunting seasons, legal weapons, hunting zones, bag limits, shooting hours and other important regulations based on their location and hunting date. Whether hunting deer, grouse or other game in the Upper Peninsula, Hunterizer helps simplify regulatory research so hunters can focus on their time outdoors.
Before heading into areas affected by the recent wildfires, combine Hunterizer’s hunting regulation information with the latest Michigan DNR announcements to ensure your hunting destination remains accessible and safe.
