Latest local news, weather and high school sports for Northern Michigan

Thursday, May 16, 2013  Early Thursday morning, there were a few reports across Northern Michigan of the sweet smell of smoke which had drifted across the area eminating from those fires.

Monday, May 06, 2013  Although the sunshine and warm temperatures mean a great day outdoors, multiple factors are coming together to also increase our fire risk.

Thursday, May 24, 2012  A ruthless combination of low humidity values (under 25-30%), gusty south winds, and highs in the 80's along with not all areas greening up completely Thursday has prompted the National Weather Service in Gaylord to issue a Fire Weather Watch for Thursday across much of Northern Lower Michigan until 8 p.m.

Monday, May 14, 2012  A ripe combination of low humidity values (under 25%), breezy SW winds, and highs in the 70's Monday have prompted the National Weather Service in Gaylord to issue a Fire Weather Watch for Monday across much of Northern Lower Michigan until 8 p.m.

Sunday, May 13, 2012  Firefighters were busy Sunday night, battling two wildfires that broke out in Ogemaw County.

Wednesday, March 21, 2012  The record setting heat has fire crews on high alert.

Monday, March 19, 2012  Not only has it been warm, but historically warm, with daytime high temperatures shattering records by 10 to 15 degrees in cases.

Sunday, March 18, 2012  While much of Northern Michigan has been basking in our record setting temperatures, they do come at a cost. Firefighters are warning all of us that the fire danger is on the rise. While most springs provide the perfect recipe for a wildfire, this year is proving to be exceptional.

Wednesday, June 08, 2011  7&4's Andrew Keller has been covering the fire for the past 24 hours and spent Wednesday with evacuated families as they went back home.

Wednesday, May 04, 2011 

Wednesday, May 26, 2010  The Michigan Department of Natural Resources and Environment says warm, dry weather across northern Michigan means wildfire danger will be "very high" during the Memorial Day weekend.

Thursday, April 01, 2010  Dry conditions are making fire danger high.

Tuesday, March 30, 2010  Open debris burning is prohibited at this time and no burn permits are being issued due to high danger fire conditions throughout the Upper Peninsula and Northern Lower Michigan

Monday, May 04, 2009  Fire danger is expected to increase with dry, warm, and windy weather in the forecast.  THe DNR says the wildfire season so far has been close to average.

Monday, April 13, 2009  The U.S. Forest Service is getting staff and equipment ready for the possibility of more wildfires. Prescribed burns are also being done to reduce flammable vegetation and keep any potential fires from getting out of control.   Dry, warm, and windy weather is expected to continue this week, keeping fire danger high.