Raphael P.M. Lotilla, Secretary | Department Of Natural Resources
Raphael P.M. Lotilla, Secretary | Department Of Natural Resources
Firefighters are working to contain a wildfire near Houghton Lake in Roscommon County, Michigan, as fire danger remains extremely high across much of the Lower Peninsula. The blaze began Sunday afternoon, October 5, near the Roscommon State Forest Area and was reported east of Old U.S. Highway 27 close to the Clare–Roscommon county line. The cause of the fire is still under investigation.
The wildfire has burned an estimated 85 acres in a marshy area with mixed pine and hardwood forest. Dry fuels and gusty winds have made efforts to control the fire more difficult for crews on site.
“Crews have been working through difficult terrain to contain the fire,” said Jeff Vasher, Michigan Department of Natural Resources Lower Peninsula resource protection manager. “High winds have made suppression challenging, but firefighters are holding the lines and continuing to reinforce containment.”
DNR firefighters are being supported by local fire departments as well as bulldozers, fire engines, and drone aircraft for aerial mapping and situational awareness. The Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has asked people to stay away from the area while suppression operations continue.
Fire danger remains high to very high throughout northern Michigan due to warm temperatures, low humidity, and dry vegetation. Authorities have advised against open burning and are asking residents to be cautious with any outdoor activity that could produce heat or sparks.
“We are currently experiencing severe drought conditions across the mid-to-lower peninsula,” said Paul Rogers, DNR fire prevention specialist. “While there is some chance of rain tonight and tomorrow, expected rainfall amounts will not be enough to ease the drought or reduce the overall fire danger.”
Burn permits were suspended on Friday, October 3, in response to increasingly dry conditions as a preventive measure against further wildfires. Residents are strongly urged not to burn outdoors until conditions improve.
Further updates along with information about fire safety and prevention can be found at Michigan.gov/FireManagement.
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