One Big Wildfire Forces Evacuations; One Doesn’t

While the Black River Falls fire is now more than 75% contained, it’s scorched more than 750 acres.

500 people have had to evacuate, and more than 30 people in Ishpeming Township have lost their homes.

Those who’ve had to leave have been staying at Westwood High School.

This afternoon, the evacuees got more information from the DNR and law enforcement.

All homes along County Road 581 between County Roads CS and PG have been evacuated.

More than 50 firefighters were on scene today, and officials say they’ll let residents know as soon as possible when they can return home.

In light of the evacuations, the NICE Community Schools were closed for the day today.

But they’ll be open as usual tomorrow.

And the area’s other wildfire has consumed nearly 500 acres in Baraga County.

The DNR says the Pinery Road fire has lit up L’Anse and Arvon Townships.

At last report, it was about 80% contained.

It started a little after 3pm yesterday a little ways east of L’Anse.

The L’Anse and Baraga Fire Departments have been there since yesterday.

Crews from the Hiawatha and Ottawa National Forests arrived this morning.

They’ve been able to keep the flames away from most structures, but a trailer home that served as a camp has been destroyed.

No one has been hurt in either blaze.