Evacuations canceled as wildfire in Michigan burns over 3 square miles

LANSING, Michigan: Michigan’s Department of Natural Resources said by a wildfire in the state has burned through more than 3 square miles, though an emergency evacuation has been canceled.

In a statement, the department said, “The Wilderness Trail Fire in Crawford County started around 1 pm about 4 miles southeast of Grayling near Staley Lake in Grayling Township.”

“The wildfire, moving west and southwest, threatened multiple buildings and closed I-75 for most of the day,” the statement added.

The Associated Press reported that department spokesperson Kathleen Lavey said the fire had burned 2,400 acres before midnight, and an evacuation order issued earlier was later suspended.

The department’s statement also said that the Red Cross responded to assist those who were evacuated, and a shelter was established at Beaver Creek Township Hall, and emergency personnel from the US Forest Service, federal Bureau of Land Management and Michigan police and fire departments assisted in combating the fire with ground crews, airplanes, helicopters and heavy equipment.

The cause of the wildfire is still being investigated, but a temporary flight restriction was enacted for a 5-mile perimeter around the fire below 5,000 feet, the statement added.

Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (Syndigate.info).