Firefighters with the Michigan Department of Natural Resources have fully contained a wildfire that began Sunday near the southeast end of the Tomahawk Creek Flooding in Presque Isle County.
The area received approximately three-quarters of an inch of rain overnight Tuesday into Wednesday. Cooler temperatures and higher humidity also helped crews gain control of the fire early Wednesday.
The wildfire burned approximately 190 acres of state-managed land, including jack pine stands, a blueberry bog and hardwood debris left behind by last year’s ice storm. The fire is now 100% contained, though crews will continue to monitor the area.
“The cause of the fire remains under investigation,” said Jeff Vasher, the DNR's Lower Peninsula resource protection manager. “While a vehicle was burned over in the fire, investigators have determined that it was not the cause.”
No evacuations were ordered, and no homes or structures were threatened.
Looking ahead to the weekend, conditions are expected to become dry again, with very high to extreme fire danger.
“People recreating outdoors need to be very cautious with campfires this weekend,” Vasher said. “Nine out of every 10 wildfires are human-caused, and people need to make sure they never leave fires unattended.”
Before burning yard debris or having a campfire, residents are encouraged to check current burn permit information at Michigan.gov/BurnPermit. Make sure to have tools and water available to extinguish a flame and prevent a random spark from becoming a wildfire.
Get more safety tips at Michigan.gov/PreventWildfires.
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