GRAYLING TOWNSHIP, Michigan (AP) — A Michigan wildfire that has consumed more than 3 square miles (7.7 square kilometers) amid hot, dry conditions was sparked by a bonfire, reports revealed Sunday. State Department of Natural Resources.
The Department’s Wilderness Trail Fire began around 1 p.m. Saturday near Staley Lake in Grayling Township in Crawford County and is burning on private property, the department said in a status update Sunday.
The Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DRN) said the fire, which has burned more than 2,000 acres (809 hectares), was 85% contained as of Sunday morning, when fire crews from the agency and its allies stayed through the night to combat the flames. Will do all the work
“The crews were working in hilly and sandy terrain and it was difficult. Weather conditions were also hot, dry and windy,” Michigan DRN incident commander Mike Janis said in a statement.
On Saturday, the wildfire moved west and southwest, burning Banksian pine, mixed pine and oak, threatening several structures. The department said Interstate 75 was closed from noon to just after midnight Saturday due to heavy smoke from the fire.
Emergency evacuations were issued for the area of the fire, but residents were allowed to return to their homes on Saturday night.
