Gogebic County Emergency Management/911

10/13/2026

The extreme fire danger for our county remains in effect. Please use caution!

Prevent wildfire! Fire safety tips and techniques.

10/13/2026

10/11/2026

Crews and aircraft are responding to a wildfire south of Wakefield, MI, just east of County Road 519. You may see smoke in the area and aircraft dipping water from local lakes.

🚫 NO DRONES IN FIRE ZONES!

Any aircraft or drone flying near the fire can force firefighting operations to shut down, putting firefighters and the public at risk.

Please stay clear of the area and let our crews do their job safely.

Black River Fire : Crews and aircraft are responding to a wildfire south of Wakefield, MI just east of County Road 519.

You will see smoke in the area and aircraft dipping out of local lakes. Please use caution and obey all traffic controls.

If you fly, we can’t! No Drones in Fire Zones. Any aircraft or drone that flies near a fire shuts down operations and puts the safety of everyone at risk.

08/31/2026

🚨 A Huge Thank You! ✈️
A sincere thank you to all of the first responders, emergency personnel, airport staff, volunteers, and partner agencies who participated in our triannual airport full-scale exercise this past Saturday.

These exercises are an important opportunity to test emergency plans, strengthen coordination, and ensure our community is prepared to respond when it matters most.

Gogebic-Iron County Airport, Ironwood Township Fire Department, Bessemer Township Fire Department, City of Bessemer Fire Department, Wakefield Fire Department, MI-MABAS Division 3806, City of Ironwood Fire and Hazmat Division, Ironwood Public Safety Department, Gogebic County Sheriff's Office, Michigan State Police, Beacon Ambulance, Aspirus Ironwood Hospital, Midwest Medical Examiner’s Office, Houghton/Keweenaw County Emergency Management, Ontonagon County Emergency Management, Iron County MI Emergency Management and Volunteers.

08/12/2026

We need your input!

Gogebic County is updating its five-year Hazard Mitigation Plan, as required by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), to remain eligible for federal hazard mitigation funding. Gogebic County staff and a local planning committee are working with the Western Upper Peninsula Planning and Development Region (WUPPDR) to complete the update.

Hazard mitigation includes any action taken before, during, or after a disaster to reduce risks to people, property, infrastructure, and the environment from natural, technological, or human-related hazards. Public input is important to this planning process. The information you provide will help us better understand local hazard concerns, prioritize mitigation activities, and guide future projects that help lessen the impact of hazards in Gogebic County.

Participation is voluntary but strongly encouraged. All responses will remain confidential. Please respond by Friday, September 4, 2026.

If you have questions regarding this survey or would like to learn about more ways that you can participate in the planning process, please contact:
Rachael Pressley, Project Lead
[email protected]

Click the link below!

Take this survey powered by surveymonkey.com. Create your own surveys for free.

07/20/2026

⛈️ Severe Weather Alert for Today ⛈️

The potential for strong to severe thunderstorms is expected today, with an Enhanced Risk (Level 3 of 5) for severe weather across the area.

⚠️ Main threats include:
🌬️ Damaging wind gusts
🧊 Large hail
⚡ Frequent lightning
🌧️ Heavy rainfall
🌪️ An isolated tornado cannot be ruled out

🕒 The greatest potential for the strongest storms is during the afternoon and evening hours.

✅ Be Prepared:
• Stay weather-aware and have multiple ways to receive weather alerts.
• Secure loose outdoor items that could become airborne in strong winds.
• If thunder roars, go indoors—avoid outdoor activities when lightning is nearby.
• Charge cell phones, battery packs, and any essential medical devices now in case power outages occur.
• Keep flashlights and extra batteries easily accessible.
• If a warning is issued, move to an interior room on the lowest level of a sturdy building, away from windows.
• Never drive through flooded roadways—Turn Around, Don't Drown.

07/16/2026

🚨 Air Quality Alert Continues for Michigan – July 16 & 17, 2026

The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) has issued a Statewide Air Quality Alert for today and Friday, July 17, due to elevated levels of fine particulate matter from wildfire smoke.

Air quality is expected to range from Very Unhealthy to Hazardous across affected areas, continuing the poor conditions experienced yesterday.

Protect yourself and your family by:
• Staying indoors as much as possible, especially if you have heart or lung disease, are an older adult, are pregnant, or are caring for young children.
• Keeping windows and doors closed and running air conditioning on recirculate, if available.
• Avoiding strenuous outdoor activities and rescheduling outdoor events if possible.
• Using a properly fitted N95 or KN95 mask if you must be outside for extended periods.
• Checking on neighbors, friends, and family members who may be more vulnerable to poor air quality.

07/15/2026

🌫️ Statewide Air Quality Alert – Wildfire Smoke

The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) has issued a Statewide Air Quality Alert due to wildfire smoke. Air quality is expected to reach Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups, with the potential for Unhealthy conditions, especially in Northern Michigan and the Upper Peninsula.

To protect your health:
• Limit time outdoors, especially strenuous activity.
• Keep windows and doors closed when possible.
• Use air conditioning on recirculate or a HEPA air purifier if available.
• Sensitive groups—including children, older adults, and people with heart or lung conditions—should take extra precautions.

07/13/2026

🌞 Heat Advisory: Hot Temperatures Continue Today & Tuesday

Temperatures will climb into the 90s to low 100s today and Tuesday. Heat index values are expected to range from 95° to 110°, making it feel much hotter than the actual air temperature.

Stay safe by following these heat safety tips:
💧 Drink plenty of water throughout the day—even if you don't feel thirsty.
🌳 Limit time outdoors, especially during the hottest part of the day.
🧢 Wear lightweight, light-colored clothing and a wide-brimmed hat when outside.
🏠 Stay in air-conditioned buildings whenever possible.
🪟 Keep blinds, curtains, and shades closed during the day to help keep your home cooler.
🌙 In the evening, open windows if temperatures are cooler outside to help ventilate your home.
🔌 Limit the use of ovens and other heat-producing appliances during the hottest part of the day.
🚗 Never leave children or pets unattended in a vehicle—even for a few minutes.
👵 Check on older adults, neighbors, and anyone without access to air conditioning.
🐾 Make sure pets have plenty of fresh water and a cool, shaded place to rest.

Stay cool, stay hydrated, and stay safe!

06/29/2026

🌡️ Heat & Storms This Week ⛈️
A stretch of hot and humid weather is expected this week, with the warmest days Monday through Wednesday.

Here's what to expect:
☀️ High temperatures in the 80s and 90s
🌡️ Heat index values ranging from 90–105°
🌙 Muggy nights with lows only falling into the mid 60s to low 70s, offering little overnight relief from the heat.

💧 Heat Safety Tips:
• Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water, even if you don't feel thirsty.
• Avoid alcohol and excessive caffeine, which can contribute to dehydration.
• Limit strenuous outdoor activities during the hottest part of the day (typically 11 AM–5 PM).
• Wear lightweight, loose-fitting, light-colored clothing and a wide-brimmed hat if spending time outdoors.
• Apply sunscreen and reapply as directed to help prevent sunburn, which can make it harder for your body to cool itself.
• Take frequent breaks in the shade or air conditioning.
• Never leave children, older adults, or pets unattended in vehicles—even for a short time.
• Make sure pets have plenty of fresh water, shade, and avoid walking them on hot pavement, which can burn their paws.
• Know the signs of heat-related illness, including heat exhaustion and heat stoke.

⚠️ Be Weather Aware: There will also be opportunities for strong to severe thunderstorms this week. While it's too early to determine exactly where the greatest impacts will occur, now is a good time to:
• Stay up to date with the latest forecasts.
• Have multiple ways to receive weather warnings, especially overnight.
• Charge your cell phone and other essential devices in case of power outages.
• Secure loose outdoor furniture, umbrellas, and other items that could become airborne in strong winds.
• If thunder roars, go indoors. Move to a sturdy building or hard-topped vehicle and avoid open areas, trees, and bodies of water.

Stay cool, stay hydrated, and stay weather aware this week.

Continue to monitor the forecast as details on both the heat and storm chances become clearer.