Crews battle Northern Michigan wildfire for third day

By Justine Lofton
Michigan Live
May 6, 2026
Category: Forest Fires
Region: US East

OSCODA COUNTY, MI – Firefighters are holding the line around a 124-acre wildfire in Northern Michigan today. This is the third day of firefighting operations around the Mapes Fire, which started on Monday, about five miles west of Mio in Oscoda County. As of this morning, the fire is 90% contained, according to the U.S. Forest Service. The fire began on private property on Mapes Road in Big Creek Township. It quickly spread to public land and has burned mostly within the Huron-Manistee National Forest. At least two structures have been destroyed. Residents on Camp 10 Road were evacuated from their homes Monday afternoon but were allowed to return later that day. Reports say the fire was caused by downed power lines and high wind speed, as determined by a Michigan Department of Natural Resources inspector. However, the USFS says the cause is under investigation.

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