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*FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE*?

June 3, 2023??

Contact: [email protected]?

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*Gov. Whitmer Activates State Emergency Operations Center to Coordinate Response to Wildfires in Northern Michigan*?

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*LANSING, Mich. *? ?Today, Governor Gretchen Whitmer activated the State Emergency Operations Center (SEOC) due to two forest fires in Crawford and Iosco counties. The Department of Natural Resources (DNR), Michigan State Police (MSP), and United States Forest Service have deployed air assets to assist with fire suppression efforts. ??

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?Today, I am activating our State Emergency Operations Center to coordinate an all-hands-on-deck response to the wildfires in northern Michigan,? said *Governor Whitmer*. ?By taking this action, we can ensure state and local first responders have what they need to get this fire contained and prevent loss of life or property. I want to thank the first responders who have been working to keep Michiganders safe.??

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The SEOC was operational at 7:00PM, according to the MSP Emergency Management and Homeland Security Division (EMHSD). SEOC personnel are monitoring the situation and working with state and local officials as well as private sector partners to ensure any resource needs are met. MSP/EMHSD district coordinators are engaged with local emergency management officials and supporting local emergency operation centers.?

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*Crawford County Forest Fire*?

In Crawford County, multiple fire agencies are responding to a large forest fire approximately more than 3,000 acres. The fire continues to spread in the area of Staley Lake Rd and 4 Mile in the Grayling area. To protect motorists, I-75 has been closed between 4 Mile and North Down River Rd [ [link removed] ]. The Grayling Middle School and Beaver Creek Township Hall have been opened for any persons evacuated, and the Red Cross is in the area to assist. ??

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The Michigan Department of Natural Resources has activated an Incident Management Team to enhance and manage today?s response efforts.?

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*Iosco County Forest Fire*?

In Iosco County, multiple fire agencies are responding to a forest fire approximately 250-300 acres. The fire is contained, and the area will continue to be monitored as a precautionary measure. Five individuals who were evacuated are expected to return to their homes later this evening.????

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Fire danger in the area is extreme due to windy, dry, warm weather and dry fuels. Fire danger for much of the state is expected to be high throughout the weekend. The DNR reminds people to check Michigan.gov/BurnPermit before planning to burn yard debris or start a campfire, and always to have an accessible water source nearby. For more fire safety tips, visit Michigan.gov/PreventWildfires.?

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The SEOC is the Emergency Operations Center for the State of Michigan located in Lansing and is overseen by the MSP/EMHSD. The SEOC coordinates the response and recovery efforts of state agencies and local governments.??

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For more information on how to prepare before, during and after an emergency or disaster, visit www.michigan.gov/miready [ [link removed] ] or follow MSP/EMHSD on Twitter at @MichEMHS [ [link removed] ].?

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This email was sent to [email protected] using GovDelivery Communications Cloud on behalf of: Michigan Executive Office of the Governor ? 111 S. Capitol Ave ? Lansing, Michigan 48901 GovDelivery logo [ [link removed] ]