Houghton and Keweenaw Emergency Measures

07/15/2026

As you are aware, the Houghton and Keweenaw area is experiencing very poor air quality conditions. Here are some resources for you to monitor conditions and make the best decisions for your health:

-Purple Air has a network of amateur sensors: https://map.purpleair.com/air-quality-standards-us-epa-aqi?opt=%2F1%2Flp%2Fa10%2Fp604800%2FcC0 #7.56/46.933/-88.494.

-The EPA has the https://www.airnow.gov/ site- but be aware, they only have two sensor in the UP (in Negaunee Twp. and Seney) and their model doesn’t reflect our area very well (currently it says the quality is fine…)

-The EPA also has an index to help explain what each value means: https://www.airnow.gov/aqi/aqi-basics/.

With the current conditions (AQI over 300 ), the EGLE makes the following recommendations: AVOID strenuous outdoor activity, especially if you have heart or respiratory conditions. Keep windows CLOSED to reduce smoke indoors. AVOID SMOKE EXPOSURE. Contact may cause chest tightness, difficulty breathing, and irritation to eyes, nose, and throat.

11/27/2025

Chassell Volunteer Fire & Rescue and Chassell Medical First Responders is welcoming people to the fire hall again today. Stay safe everyone.

11/27/2025

Power is still not on in several areas of Houghton and Keweenaw County. Bootjack Fire & Rescue Foundation has opened their fire hall again this morning for warming, food, coffee, snacks, medical/personal device charging, etc.

11/27/2025

Power has been out in many areas of the Copper Country for a long time, and our volunteer fire departments are stepping up to help. Bootjack Fire & Rescue Foundation, Chassell Volunteer Fire & Rescue and Chassell Medical First Responders and Quincy- Franklin- Hancock Township Fire Department are all offering warming sites tonight from 8 p.m. to midnight.

These sites may serve food, allow people to charge personal/medical charge, and support other needs that community members may have. All are welcome to these fire halls. Please check on your neighbors and reach out if needs arise. Remember, always dial 911 in an emergency. If you need help and it isn't emergent, you can dial 2-1-1 for information.
Locations:
- Bootjack Fire Hall: https://maps.app.goo.gl/Pfrhh5YqDg9dvsbB9
- Chassell Fire Hall: https://maps.app.goo.gl/QGnT5zupKPEu4BS89
- Quincy Franklin Hancock Twp. Fire Hall on Sunshine Rd.: https://maps.app.goo.gl/5DUbW7VX7W2UkU6g7

11/03/2025

Houghton, Keweenaw, Baraga, Iron, Ontonagon, and Gogebic Counties are beginning their Hazard Mitigation Plan Update. Interested contractors please see the attached RFQ.

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04/15/2024

The annual spring weather presentation/spotter training will be April 23, 2024 at 6:30PM at the Michigan Tech ATDC. Free and open to the public. Always an interesting presentation about last year's weather (compared to "normal" trends) and what to look for during storms.

Please note, the address for the ATDC is not correct on the NWS website (that is for the Admin building). The address for the ATCD is 1402 Sharon Ave. (across from the softball fields and next to the Mineral Museum).https://maps.app.goo.gl/PfJaUfcEL6MrSrvo6

FORECASTS Aviation Marine Fire Weather Activity Planner Severe Weather Winter Weather Hydrology/Rivers Computer Models Graphical

10/03/2023

Important Reminder!

On Wednesday, Oct. 4 at 2:20 p.m. EST FEMA Federal Emergency Management Agency is conducting a nationwide test of the Emergency Alert System.

The message will say: "THIS IS A TEST of the National Wireless Emergency Alert System. No action is needed."

Please note: In case of severe weather or other events, the test may be postponed to October 11. Stay informed and stay safe!

04/19/2023

Residents who have damage to their property are asked to report it either online at https://arcg.is/10ab1j or by calling 211.

This helps local and state officials determine what types of aid our community might be eligible for as we move through he damage assessment and recover process.

04/17/2023

Late Friday morning, Houghton County submitted a request to the Governor to declare a State of Emergency for flooding in Houghton County. This request stated that local resources have been active in the response since Tuesday and continue to respond to the runoff caused by abnormally warm temperatures in Houghton County over the last few days. This is the next step in the process to request assistance in the form of state resources (equipment, personnel or funds) to respond and recover from this ongoing incident.

At 3:20PM Friday, the Governor Signed a State of Emergency Declaration for Houghton and Gogebic Counties, clearing the way for state assistance.

Meanwhile, crews continue to monitor and work on keeping water flowing through the area culvert and streams. With the rain and snow this weekend, residents are encouraged to drive with caution if they see water or debris over the road and be aware of the potential for rapidly changing water levels in streams and ditches.