UPDATE AT 8:32 P.M: We're told the wildfire has now spread to more than 5,000 acres. Witnesses say more than 20 homes have been destroyed. Shelters are moving around and the latest we heard the American Red Cross has one set up at the Resurrection Life Center, 2640 M-72 W. Another is being set up at St. Helen Elementary School. The Red Cross has water, food and Gatorade for those who have been evacuated.
UPDATE AT 6:04 P.M: The U.S. Forest Service says the wildfire in Crawford County is now more than 3,000 acres and is not contained. A second shelter has been set up at the Resurrection Life Center in Crawford County. If you live in Roscommon County you need to go to the St. Helen Richfield Township Hall. Viewers tell 7 & 4 News ash is falling in areas surrounding the fire location.
UPDATE AT 5:30 P.M: The U.S. Forest Service says the wildfire in Crawford County is definitely not contained at this time. They are using all of their resources to fight the wildfire. Details of exact location of the wildfire are not known at this time.
Anyone within 10 miles west of the intersection of M-18 and F-97 and 3 miles north of M-18 need to evacuated the area immediately. A shelter was set up at Kirtland Community College. However, we are now told people are being sent to Richfield Township Hall in St. Helen.
The manager of the Ramada Inn in Grayling is offering special rates for evacuees. If you are in need of a place to stay call 1-989-348-7611. Rates will be $45.00
The Department of Natural Resources says the fire is about 3,000 acres and crossed M-18 around 4:00 p.m.. The DNRE says the head of the fire is more than a mile wide.
7 & 4's Lauren Amstutz says About 100 people are gathering at a Rite Aid Pharmacy parking lot in Roscommon with their families and belongings.
7 & 4 Storm Team Meteorologist Joe Charlevoix says the wind direction is northeast at around 15-20 mph. Temperatures are in the mid-70's at the site of the fire.
Crews are also on scene of a second fire burning in southern Kalkaska County. The wildfire is in Garfield Township in the area of Sharon and Pemberthy Crossing.
