Black River

Crews hold lines south of Wakefield with no evacuations in effect

The Black River Fire is smoldering south of Wakefield and east of County Road 519, bordered on the west by the Little Black River. Recent rainfall and cooler weather checked forward spread over the last 72 hours, though heat continues to smolder in deep forest duff and marshy terrain. The fire currently poses no immediate threat to Wakefield or nearby residences.

Evacuations and Closures

• No evacuation orders or warnings are in effect as of October 15.
• A temporary flight restriction remains in effect over the wildfire area as of October 16.

Impact

No homes or other structures have been damaged or destroyed, and no injuries or deaths have been reported as of October 15.

Conditions and Outlook

Damp conditions will give way to warmer, drier weather with gusty southwesterly winds strengthening over the weekend before easing early next week. Officials caution that the gusty winds will test established perimeters as heat persists in the deep duff layer. Fire crews plan to continue securing lines along the flanks and tying them into the Little Black River while navigating saturated ground and weakened trees.

Cause and Context

The cause of the fire remains under investigation as of October 16. The Michigan Department of Natural Resources assumed command of suppression operations from the U.S. Forest Service on October 13.

Official updates current through October 16, 2026.