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

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.

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

Tuesday, March 13, 2012  There are increasing concerns from fire officials and the 7&4 Storm Team that a few factors could lead to a higher than normal fire danger this spring/early summer.

Thursday, June 09, 2011  UPDATE at 9:00 AM Thursday Rainfall is helping fire crews in the effort to put out hotspots after a wildfire burned 817 acres in Crawford County.

Thursday, May 27, 2010  Crews are still battling to contain the Meridian Boundary Wildfire in Crawford County

Monday, May 24, 2010  Crews working the Meridian Boundary Fire in Crawford County are bracing for high fire danger in the next 5 days as temperatures soar into the mid-to-high 80's with high humidity

Saturday, May 22, 2010  As of Saturday morning the fire is 90% contained and has burned 8,586 acres.  13 homes are destroyed, 2 homes are damaged and 46 out-buildings are destroyed or damaged.

Friday, May 21, 2010  UPDATE 8:30 AM: The Department of Natural Resources and Environment announced today that M-18 and the area east of M-18 will be reopened Friday, May 21, at 1 p.m. DNRE is asking residents drive safely with your lights on and do not stop within the blackened areas. Smoke, heavy equipment, potholes of heat, and trees that have burned but remain standing are in the area and present dangers for citizens who get out of their cars.

Thursday, May 20, 2010  UPDATE 8:00 PM: The fire is now 80 percent contained, up from 65 percent this morning.The DNRE has significant concerns about Friday's weather, since forecasts are showing it is going to very windy. Winds up to 25 mph are predicted. Also, the forecast calls for a minimal chance of precipitation on Friday.