DNR helps property owners extinguish small wildfire in Marquette County
Extreme or very high fire danger expected in the U.P. today
WASHINGTON, D.C. – July 28, 2015 – (RealEstateRama) — Michigan Department of Natural Resources firefighters helped members of a lake property owners’ association extinguish a small wildfire, which charred about a quarter-acre of property Monday, July 27 near Helen Lake in Humboldt Township (Marquette County).
A resident reported the fire, which was burning in an area of spruce, balsam and cedar near the edge of a bog. The DNR’s incident command center in Marquette received news of the fire at 3:58 p.m. Monday.
In addition to DNR firefighters, personnel from the Humboldt Township and Republic Township fire departments also responded.
“By the time we got there, the Helen Lake Association had already contained the fire,” said Pete Glover, DNR incident commander on the fire. “They did an excellent job.”
Glover said association members have pumps at the north and south ends of the lake, fire hose and a plan to battle fires.
“It was quick thinking and quick action by the lake association that kept that fire small,” he said.
Glover said the fire most likely was ignited by a lightning strike from a storm that passed through the area Friday. Fire crews cleared the scene at 8:30 p.m.
High temperatures and high winds forecast for today are expected to boost fire danger ratings across the Upper Peninsula.
Celeste Chingwa, DNR resource protection manager in Marquette, said extreme fire danger was expected for three areas in the region today. Those areas included the Doe Lake area in the Hiawatha National Forest south of Munising in Alger County, the Pelkie area of Baraga County and the area near La Branche in northern Menominee County.
“Everywhere else in the U.P., the fire danger is expected to reach very high,” Chingwa said.
No burn permits are being issued today and DNR fire officials are urging extra caution with the elevated fire danger.
For more on fire prevention tips, burn permits and other fire-related information, visit the DNR’s website at www.michigan.gov/firemanagement.
The Michigan Department of Natural Resources is committed to the conservation, protection, management, use and enjoyment of the state’s natural and cultural resources for current and future generations. For more information, go to www.michigan.gov/dnr.
Contact: John Pepin, 906-228-6561
