BARAGA COUNTY,MI— Firefighters continue to battle the Craig Lake Fire in Baraga County.
Around 7 p.m. Monday, The Michigan Department of Natural Resources estimated the fire to be about 400 acres in size and 25 percent contained.
It’s burning in extremely rugged terrain in a remote area, which is challenging for firefighting crews. Portions of the fire are only accessible on foot and fire equipment can’t be brought in. Personnel are using hand tools to establish containment lines where they can gain access.
A shift to north winds Monday resulted in wildfire smoke blanketing communities south of the Craig Lake and Ridge fires. The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy issued an air quality alert for Baraga, Marquette, Iron, Dickinson, and Menominee counties, forecasting both “Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups” and “Unhealthy” levels of pollution. Officials recommend residents watch for new or worsening symptoms such as coughing or shortness of breath and reduce long or intense outdoor activities.
