Michigan Fires

Daily Wildfire Report for Michigan - July 13, 2026

Overview

Michigan is currently experiencing an elevated wildfire risk driven by a combination of dangerous summer heat and increasingly dry vegetation. While parts of the state received rain in late June, a significant warming trend over the last 72 hours has dried out grasses and forest debris, leading to a resurgence in fire danger, particularly across the Upper Peninsula and the northern Lower Peninsula. The Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is closely monitoring the situation as hot temperatures persist.

Current Situation

Fire Activity: Over the last 72 hours, fire activity has been closely monitored by state and local agencies. The dangerous heat mixed with dry grass has created an environment where fires can ignite easily and spread quickly. Firefighters are actively managing existing fires while maintaining a high state of readiness for potential new starts.

Key Fires:

• Mapes Fire: Located near Mio, this is currently the largest active wildfire in the state, having burned 124 acres. The fire is primarily being fueled by dry grass, jack pine, and mixed hardwood fuels. Fire crews have been working to secure the perimeter, mop up the area, and monitor for any lingering hotspots.
• Huron-01 Thunder Goose Fire: Located near Sebewaing, this fire has burned 79 acres. It is being fueled by dry brush, grass, and downed woody debris. Firefighters continue to manage containment lines and patrol the fire edge to prevent any further spread.

Prescribed Burns and Land Management: The Michigan DNR actively utilizes prescribed burns to manage forest fuel loads and reduce the risk of catastrophic wildfires. Significant recent operations include the 758-acre Riley WMA Unit 6 Rx Fire and the 118-acre Muskegon Road Fuel Break Fire near Harrison.
Burn Bans: Due to the elevated fire conditions and dangerous heat, the DNR is currently not issuing permits for burning yard debris in the northern Lower Peninsula and the Upper Peninsula. Residents in southern Michigan are strongly advised to check with their local fire departments or municipalities before conducting any outdoor burning.

Weather and Wind Warnings

Current Weather: Conditions across much of the state over the last 72 hours have been sunny, dry, and warm, with daytime highs in the mid-to-upper 80s and relative humidity dropping during peak heating hours. There has been zero precipitation over the weekend.
Forecasted Weather: The warming trend is expected to continue, bringing temperatures into the upper 80s and low 90s over the next few days. While there are no active Red Flag Warnings in effect today, the combination of extremely hot temperatures, dry grass, and periodic gusty winds means that critical fire weather conditions could develop rapidly. Scattered thunderstorms are forecast for later in the week, which may bring much-needed moisture but also introduce the risk of dry lightning strikes.

Recommendations

Public Awareness: State fire officials urge residents and visitors to use extreme caution with any outdoor activities that could spark a wildfire. Ensure all campfires are completely extinguished by drowning them with water, stirring the ashes, and dousing them again until they are cold to the touch. Avoid parking hot vehicles or recreational equipment over dry grass, and ensure trailer chains are secured to prevent dragging and sparking on roadways.
Resource Allocation: Firefighting units are strategically staged in key locations around the state for quick response. The DNR is working in tandem with local fire departments, the USDA Forest Service, and Great Lakes Forest Fire Compact members to ensure rapid initial attack capabilities on any new fire starts.

Resources

For up-to-date emergency information, residents can visit:
National Interagency Fire Center (NIFC): www.nifc.gov/fire-information/nfn
Michigan DNR Fire Management: michigan.gov/firemanagement

Stay informed and prepared by monitoring these resources regularly.