Red Flag Warning Issued for Ontonagon, Gogebic Counties Until Sunday

A Red Flag Warning has been issued for Ontonagon and Gogebic counties, effective immediately and continuing until Sunday, October 11, at 6:00 PM EDT. The National Weather Service (NWS) in Marquette, MI, has issued this warning due to critical fire weather conditions, urging residents to refrain from all outdoor burning.

The affected areas are Fire Weather Zone 002 (Ontonagon) and Fire Weather Zone 009 (Gogebic). Conditions include south winds today at 10 to 20 mph with gusts up to 35 mph, decreasing slightly on Sunday to 10 to 15 mph with gusts up to 25 mph. Relative humidity will drop as low as 32 percent today and Sunday, with a slight recovery overnight.

These conditions—strong winds, low relative humidity, and warm temperatures combined with exceptionally dry fuels—will create dangerous wildland fire conditions. Any fire that develops is expected to catch and spread quickly.

Residents are advised that campfires, outdoor grills, smoking materials, fireworks, chain saws, and all-terrain vehicles all have the potential to spark and ignite a dangerous and destructive fire. The NWS emphasizes that outdoor burning is not recommended during this period.