GRAYLING – The “Wilderness Trail Fire” in Crawford County consumed about 2,400 acres before it was finally contained June 7.
The fire started about 1 p.m. Saturday, June 3 near Staley Lake Road, escaping from a campfire on private property. The fire burned in a southwest direction through jack pine, mixed pine, and Oak. The blaze caused the evacuation of about 300 people through Saturday night. I-75 was closed in both directions Saturday afternoon and evening as well.
The fire affected 35 residences, 38 vehicles (including 23 campers and three boats), and 58 outbuildings. Three outbuildings were lost.
Power was shut off by Consumers Energy in Grayling on Saturday and part of Sunday to prevent the fire from spreading, and to protect firefighters. Power was restored about 2 p.m. Sunday, June 4.
Firefighters from across the region, as well as from the Wisconsin DNR, are assisting. The Wisconsin crews and their heavy equipment were made available through the Great Lakes Forest Fire Compact, a mutual aid agreement between Minnesota, Wisconsin and Michigan, and the Canadian provinces of Ontario and Manitoba.
For a complete timeline of the blaze visit UpNorthVoice.com.
