Black River

Fire activity calms as crews transition to patrol and mop-up

The Black River Fire is burning south of Wakefield and east of County Road 519 in Gogebic County. Fire activity has calmed over recent days to minimal creeping as ground crews made steady progress and transitioned into patrol and mop-up operations. No communities or structures are threatened.

Evacuations and Closures

• No evacuation orders or warnings are in effect as of October 19.
• No formal road or trail closures are in effect, but officials request that motorists, hunters, and the public avoid the area east of County Road 519 south of Wakefield to keep emergency routes clear (requested October 19).

Conditions and Outlook

Southerly winds will become increasingly gusty heading into the weekend alongside rising chances of light rain and drizzle, before winds shift to the northwest and ease. With fire activity minimal, crews plan to maintain perimeter patrol and use infrared drone data to locate and extinguish remaining underground heat. Personnel also remain watchful for hazardous trees with burned-out roots that can topple unexpectedly across control lines.

Cause and Context

Investigators confirmed on October 19 that the fire was sparked by a lightning strike, pinpointing its origin through distinct charring patterns high on a cluster of cedar trees paired with strike-mapping data.

Official updates current through October 22, 2026.