Ridge

Evacuation orders lifted as fire activity subsides near Dead River Basin

The Ridge Fire is burning in rugged timber terrain north of the Dead River Basin, between County Road 510 and North Basin Drive northwest of Marquette. After spreading over the weekend and prompting localized evacuations, fire behavior settled down significantly on Monday under cooler and more humid conditions. Direct threats to nearby homes have diminished, though smoldering fuels continue to produce smoke as firefighters establish dozer lines.

Evacuations and Closures

• North Basin Drive: Evacuation readiness was downgraded from 'Set' back to 'Ready' status on October 12, advising residents to stay prepared.
• County Road 510: Precautionary evacuation orders were lifted on October 12 as fire activity subsided.
• Noquemanon Trail system: Closed west of the County Road 510 trailhead to keep recreationists away from active operations (October 11).
• Shelter: An evacuation center with American Red Cross assistance opened at Negaunee Township Hall on East State Highway M-35 for residents and pets (October 11).

Impact

Heavy smoke drifted southward on October 12, affecting air quality across Marquette, Negaunee, Ishpeming, and Michigamme. An Air Quality Alert is in effect for Marquette and surrounding counties for smoke reaching levels unhealthy for sensitive groups.

Conditions and Outlook

Periods of rain and high humidity will dominate over the coming days, accompanied by northerly winds that will gradually ease and shift southerly. Fire activity is expected to remain muted, characterized primarily by smoldering and creeping in timber. Firefighters plan to take advantage of the wet weather to construct and reinforce containment lines across rugged terrain.

Cause and Context

The cause of the fire remains under official investigation by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources as of October 12.

Official updates current through October 12, 2026.