CRAWFORD COUNTY --
The Department of Natural Resoures and Environment is issuing an update on the Meridian Boundary Wildfire in Crawford County.
As of 9 pm Saturday the fire is 95% contained and has burned 8,586 acres. 14 homes are destroyed, 2 homes are damaged and 46 out-buildings are destroyed or damaged.
No injuries have been reported.
The Evacuation order on a portion of northwest side of the fire is still in effect. The American Red Cross has closed the shelter.
EAST OF M-18
The evacuated area east of M-18 has been re-opened.
WEST OF M-18
The evacuated area, located west of M-18, and north of Camp Road and Federal Forest Road 4158 west to River Lake Road, will remain closed.
Total Personnel on Fire: 82 from DNRE, USDA Forest Service, and local volunteer fire departments. Support from Crawford County Emergency Management Center, Crawford County Sheriff, and Michigan State Police.
Weather expected for Saturday May 22: Mostly cloudy, chance of rain until 2:00 p.m. High temperature of 78 degrees. Minimum relative humidity of 47%. Winds will be from the southeast about 5 miles per hour. Sunday and Monday will be sunny with temperatures building to mid-upper 80s. South winds 5-10 miles per hour.
Today on the Meridian Fire, crews continue to work on securing the line around the perimeter of the fire. Crews continued mop up on the hot spots around the perimeter. Firefighters have been able to maintain the perimeter. Efforts remain focused on containment. Work continued on extinguishing smokes and smoldering stumps in yards near homes and along the fire perimeter.
The fire was first spotted by a DNRE fixed wing aircraft at approximately 1:30 p.m. May 18.
The point of origin has been determined and is being investigated. The cause was burning of brush. Burn permits were being issued for this county on May 18.
On Friday the Incident commander removed some of the road closures and opened up the area east of M-18 and west of M-18 south of Camp Road and Federal Forest Road 4158 and Hickey Creek Road to the public.
The fire burned mostly jack pine cover type on private, state and federal forest land. In some areas, the fire burned into swampy and hardwood areas that slowed the progress of the fire considerably.
Announcements/ Additional Information:
Visitors to the Grayling area should be mindful that there will continue to be large equipment in the fire and surrounding areas. Please drive safe and with lights on for better visibility.
Maps/Pictures:
Maps, photos and more information can be found at the DNRE website by clicking on THIS LINK.
