WEXFORD COUNTY (WWJ) - A modest campfire quickly spread into a full-scale wildfire on Friday, burning through 160 acres before crews got it under control in Northern Michigan.
The Fife Lake Springfield Fire Department called it a massive effort on behalf of multiple law enforcement agencies who quickly responded to contain the fire and keep campers ad local residents safe after the blaze broke out E. County Line Rd just east of US-131 in Liberty Township.
"What started as a small campfire, within minutes, turned into a raging forest fire," the department said in an update to social media.
Crews from Manton, Colfax-Greenwood, Cedar Creek, Haring Fire Departments, Manton and Kalkaska DNR and two water planes from Gaylord all assisted to bring the fire under control before it jumped the Manistee River.
Officials said a few homes off West Drive and in the surrounding area, as well as the Chippewa Landing Campground, were evacuated by Michigan State Police and Wexford County officers.
"Our Brush Truck and Kubota assisted the left flank, SE side, to help contain, control and monitor the travel of the fire," Fife Lake Springfield FD added. "The picture(s) attached shows what our crews were witnessing as the fire was crowning (reached the top of trees, traveling faster)."
A modest campfire quickly spread into a full-scale wildfire on Friday, burning through 160 acres before crews got it under control in Northern Michigan.Fife Lake Springfield Fire Department
A modest campfire quickly spread into a full-scale wildfire on Friday, burning through 160 acres before crews got it under control in Northern Michigan.Fife Lake Springfield Fire Department
A modest campfire quickly spread into a full-scale wildfire on Friday, burning through 160 acres before crews got it under control in Northern Michigan.Fife Lake Springfield Fire Department
A modest campfire quickly spread into a full-scale wildfire on Friday, burning through 160 acres before crews got it under control in Northern Michigan.Fife Lake Springfield Fire Department
A modest campfire quickly spread into a full-scale wildfire on Friday, burning through 160 acres before crews got it under control in Northern Michigan.Fife Lake Springfield Fire Department
A modest campfire quickly spread into a full-scale wildfire on Friday, burning through 160 acres before crews got it under control in Northern Michigan.Fife Lake Springfield Fire Department
A modest campfire quickly spread into a full-scale wildfire on Friday, burning through 160 acres before crews got it under control in Northern Michigan.Fife Lake Springfield Fire Department
A modest campfire quickly spread into a full-scale wildfire on Friday, burning through 160 acres before crews got it under control in Northern Michigan.Fife Lake Springfield Fire Department
A modest campfire quickly spread into a full-scale wildfire on Friday, burning through 160 acres before crews got it under control in Northern Michigan.Fife Lake Springfield Fire Department
A modest campfire quickly spread into a full-scale wildfire on Friday, burning through 160 acres before crews got it under control in Northern Michigan.Fife Lake Springfield Fire Department
A modest campfire quickly spread into a full-scale wildfire on Friday, burning through 160 acres before crews got it under control in Northern Michigan.Fife Lake Springfield Fire Department
A modest campfire quickly spread into a full-scale wildfire on Friday, burning through 160 acres before crews got it under control in Northern Michigan.Fife Lake Springfield Fire Department
Authorities were able to set up a water source for DNR planes to collect from at the Manistee River boat launch on Fife Lake, who quickly flew the water into the area to douse the flames.
While the fire burned through 160 acres, no homes were lost to the blaze and no one was injured.
"Thank you for all of your support," the Fife Lake Springfield FD said. "So many thank you's are deserved for this one! Now let's pray for rain!!"
Officials with the Department of Natural Resources are asking all Michiganders to be extra careful with any kind of fires, but especially campfires and bonfires, as we wrap up what has been a historically dry May.
So far this month, Detroit Metro Airport has recorded just .92 inches of rain, according to AccuWeather meteorologist Jon Feerick, who says that number is "obviously well below average" and close to the May record.
Aside from being a hazard, Paul Rogers with the DNR says having an unsafe fire could land you in trouble.
"You could be ticketed for allowing the fire to escape, you could be ticketed for burning without a permit, so all of those come into play," Rogers said. "Again, it's the safety of everybody in Michigan. If you enjoy a campfire, that's great."
Rogers says it's important to know the DNR is not allowing any debris burning.
"There's not a burn ban, but we are not issuing the burn permits. The debris burning leaves and sticks and branches that people are going to their cottages or campsites for the weekend and that's what they're burning," Rogers said.
As provided by the DNR, here are tips to keep your outdoor activities fire safe:
• Keep a hose or other water source nearby when burning.
• Prevent sparks. Keep trailer chains from dragging when you're on the road; don't park hot equipment on dry grass.
• Contain your campfire or bonfire in a pit or ring and make sure you put it out thoroughly before leaving for the night. Douse the fire with water, stir the ashes and douse again.
• Never leave any fire — including hot coals — unattended.
• Never shoot fireworks into the woods, dry grass or shrubs.
• It's illegal to burn plastic, hazardous materials, foam or other household trash. This can release dangerous chemicals into the air.
• You can use a burn barrel with a screen on top to burn paper, leaves and natural materials.
Fire safety information is available at Michigan.gov/FireManagement
