10/13/2026

IRON COUNTY - At approximately 6:30 AM yesterday morning Iron County Dispatch was advised of a wildland fire on Old Hwy 51 near US 51 in the Town of Oma. A deputy arrived within minutes and was able to contain the fire with a fire extinguisher. The Oma Fire Department and Mercer DNR Fire responded and were able to extinguish the fire. The fire was approximately 30’x40” in area. DNR officials believe it was a passing vehicle or equipment that likely started the fire.

10/13/2026

WHITE PINE - A Mining Permit Application was received by the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy for the White Pine North project in Ontonagon County.  The permit application proposes an underground mining operation and adjacent processing facility that would produce copper and silver concentrate.  The White Pine North Project is an extension of the former mine with an expected 26-year mine life. Kinterra Copper USA LLC acquired 100% interest in the project earlier this year and secured financing to advance the project to permitting.  The state offering the public opportunity to comment on the project.  An in-person public meeting for the White Pine North project mining permit application, will take place November 4^th at the Ontonagon School at 6pm Eastern Time.  Written comments will be accepted November 4 to 5:00pm December 2 via mail and email. 

10/13/2026

ASHLAND COUNTY - A fire destroyed a drill rig and support equipment on Enbridge’s $1 billion Line 5 pipeline reroute project in northern Wisconsin. Enbridge called it vandalism. Iron County Sheriff Paul Samardich confirmed the fire occurred in Ashland County. No injuries were reported. The incident follows two other fires involving Enbridge property last month. The FBI and ATF are investigating those earlier fires. The incidents come amid scrutiny of the project following a 1.3-million-gallon natural gas liquids leak in August.