THURSDAY: Evacuation Order Partially Lifted
CRAWFORD COUNTY -- 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.
This could cause some problems as firefighters move into the interior of the fire and work on the southwest area of the line. Firefighters worked hard in that southwest area today. Crews will be patrolling the fire's perimeter all night tonight to watch for jumps and hot spots over the fire line.
Firefighters are reporting lots of "dust devils" by the fire. The fire creates its own weather. Dust devils start out low to the ground swirling around and pick up debris and embers. It looks kind of like a mini tornado. It's usually an indication that wind is shifting or picking up speed. This also has us concerned, especially if we have much higher winds on Friday as predicted.
The DNRE website is now updated with new map that shows the road closures in the area. Officials are anticipating more traffic in the area over the weekend, perhaps as downstate or out of state property owners want to come and check on their property. The map can be found on THIS LINK.
UPDATE: 6:00 PM: The DNRE evacuation order has been partially lifted. We're told anyone living from Chase Road to South Town-Line Road can go home if your road is not blocked.
Road closures include:
M-18 from M-72 to Roscommon County line is closed, several other roads in the vicinity are closed as well.
12 homes are destroyed, 2 homes are damaged, 39 out buildings are destroyed or damaged. There are no reports of any injuries.
Today on the Meridian Line Fire, crews continue to work on securing the line around the perimeter of the fire. Crews also started mop up on the hot spots around the perimeter. Firefighters continue to experience minor problems along the southern and western edges of the blaze, but crews have been able to maintain the perimiter. Efforts are very focused on containment which stands at 80%.
New maps and pictures can be found on the DNRE website by CLICKING HERE.
UPDATE: 11:50 AM: The DNRE reports the wildfire has now consumed 8,800 acres. The fire break line is around 95% of the perimter, and the fire is 65% contained.
UPDATE: 10:00 AM: An evacuation order is still in effect for the hundreds of people who were told to leave their homes because of the wildfire. Authorities at the Crawford County command center tell 7&4 the fire is still 65% contained this morning. They are worried that the warm, dry weather conditions could flare the fire. There is a fire break line around 90% of the perimeter.
12 homes are destroyed, 2 homes damaged, and 39 out-buildings are destroyed or damaged. The DNRE tells 7&4 the earliest residence could be allowed back to their homes is still Thursday evening, but that's if conditions on the ground improve. Authorities are allowing anyone that needs something from their home, like medication, to be escorted to their property by a Michigan State Police trooper with proof of address - just go to the command center on M-72 and M-18.
If you need a place to go for food or water. The Red Cross has shelters open at Resurrection Life Center on M-72 East of Grayling and at St. Helen Elementary School.
As soon as the evacuation order is released 7&4 News will let you know on air and online.
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