Michigan Fires

Daily Wildfire Report for Michigan - May 13, 2026

Overview

Michigan is currently experiencing elevated fire danger, particularly in the northern Lower Peninsula. This heightened risk is driven by recent dry weather, high winds, and a significant amount of downed trees and branches left behind by the severe March 2025 ice storm. Despite some recent heavy rains this spring, the dead vegetation and downed wood have dried out, creating highly volatile conditions for wildfires.

Current Situation

Fire Activity: Firefighters from the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and local agencies have been actively battling wildfires over the past 72 hours. While recent cooler overnight temperatures and frost have helped slow fire spread, the underlying dry fuels continue to pose a significant threat. The Michigan DNR notes that nine out of ten wildfires in the state are human-caused, urging residents to exercise extreme caution with outdoor activities.

Key Fires:

• Tomahawk Lake Fire: Located near the Tomahawk Creek Flooding in Presque Isle County, this fire started late Sunday, May 10, 2026, and has burned approximately 190 acres. It is currently 90% contained. The fire is burning through highly combustible fuels, including jack pine stands, a blueberry bog, and hardwood debris left from the 2025 ice storm. Crews are currently monitoring the area and extinguishing hotspots. No evacuations were ordered, and no homes or structures are currently threatened.
• Mapes Fire: Located near Mapes Road and Camp 10 Road in Oscoda County. This fire is now 100% contained after crews established a secure, cold perimeter. Previous evacuation orders for residents along Camp 10 Road have been lifted, allowing residents to return home safely.

Prescribed Burns and Land Management:
Agencies across the state are utilizing prescribed burns to manage fuel loads and reduce future wildfire risks. The U.S. Forest Service has planned over 100 prescribed burns across Michigan's national forests this spring and summer, including over 10,000 acres in the Hiawatha National Forest and over 1,100 acres in the Ottawa National Forest. Additionally, the National Park Service is conducting prescribed fires on 1,184 acres in the Platte Plains area of Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. Huron Pines is also planning prescribed burns at the Emily Min Hunt Preserve to restore its rare limestone bedrock glade ecosystem. All operations are highly weather-dependent.

Air Quality: Smoke from prescribed burns and active wildfires may be visible from nearby roads and in communities located downwind of the burn areas. Motorists encountering smoke on the roadway are advised to reduce their speed and turn on their headlights to improve visibility and safety.

Weather and Wind Warnings

Current Weather: Recent weather has brought cooler temperatures, frost, and favorable humidity levels, which have aided containment efforts on active fires in the northern regions. Scattered rain and snow showers are present in parts of the state today, with temperatures hovering in the 40s.
Forecasted Weather: While temperatures have temporarily dropped, elevated fire danger is expected to continue as conditions dry out heading into the weekend. Earlier this month, critical fire weather prompted the National Weather Service to issue Red Flag Warnings across 42 Michigan counties due to wind gusts up to 45 mph and relative humidity dropping below 20%. Residents should remain vigilant, as dry conditions and wind can quickly elevate fire risks again.

Recommendations

Public Awareness: The Michigan DNR emphasizes that residents must be mindful of fire safety. Before burning yard waste, residents should always check the open burning status on the state's website. Never leave campfires unattended, avoid parking hot equipment on dry grass, and ensure trailer chains are not dragging, as they can easily create sparks.
Resource Allocation: Firefighters are utilizing specialized equipment to combat the blazes. The state legislature recently allocated one-time funding for the DNR to lease two AT-802 water-scooping planes to assist with fire suppression, which have been actively utilized alongside DNR fire detection aircraft to manage the Tomahawk Lake Fire.

Resources

For up-to-date emergency information and to check burn permit status, residents can visit:
Michigan DNR Burn Permit Info: michigan.gov/burnpermit
National Interagency Fire Center (NIFC): www.nifc.gov/fire-information/nfn

Stay informed and prepared by monitoring these resources regularly.