Wildfire near Grayling down to 2,400 acres; I-75 reopened; evacuation order lifted
Firefighters worked through the night to battle a wildfire in Crawford County, near Grayling, that grew to more than 3,000 acres at one point, forced temporary evacuations by emergency personnel and closed I-75 for most of Saturday, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources said in a release late Saturday night.
The wildfire was estimated to be 2,400 acres large as of 11:52 p.m. Saturday. I-75 has since reopened in both directions and the evacuation order has been lifted.
DNR firefighters, along with local partners, are battling the blaze located in Grayling Township, 4 miles southeast of Grayling. The fire was moving west and southwest and multiple buildings were threatened.
Evacuees are being provided shelter at Beaver Creek Township Hall, 8888 S. Grayling Rd.
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The DNR recommends anyone in the area to stay indoors with windows shut to avoid smoke, and to drive with care as visibility is limited.
In addition to DNR firefighters, crews assisting with the fire include: Michigan State Police, USDA Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management, Grayling Station 2, Grayling Public Safety, the Gaylord City Fire Department and fire departments from Grayling Township, Kalkaska, Blue Lake, Beaver Creek, Markey Township, Higgins Township, Richfield Township, South Branch Township, Frederic Township, Otsego County, Cold Springs and Denton Township fire departments.
No cause has been determined for the fire, but unprecedented hot and dry conditions for this time of year in Michigan have created extreme fire danger.
In response to the Crawford County fire and a smaller one in Iosco County, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer activated the State Emergency Operations Center, according to a release from the governor's office Saturday.
“Today, I am activating our State Emergency Operations Center to coordinate an all-hands-on-deck response to the wildfires in northern Michigan,” Whitmer said in the statement. “By taking this action, we can ensure state and local first responders have what they need to get this fire contained and prevent loss of life or property. I want to thank the first responders who have been working to keep Michiganders safe.”
The Iosco County fire, which is 200-300 acres in size according to the governor's release, is contained. Five people were evacuated but are expected to return to their homes this evening.