Duck Lake Fire Update

The Duck Lake wildfire in northern Luce County has continued to grow.

The blaze has now burned nearly 18,000 acres.

The Michigan DNR says multiple buildings have been destroyed, and others are threatened, by the advancing flames.

The fire has also forced the closure of Tahquamenon Falls State Park.

Homes have been evacuated north and northeast of pike lake.

The Red Cross has set up a shelter at the Newberry Youth Center.

There are no reports of any injuries.

Dean Wilson, a public information manager for the DNR, says the cooler, less windy weather conditions today have allowed fire crews to begin establishing a containment line along the western edge of the fire zone.

Wilson says their most recent estimate has the fire at 10 percent contained.

Staff at Tahquamenon Falls State Park have re–located all campers from the Lower Falls campground to either the Rivermouth campground or to Muskallonge Lake State Park.

Both those areas are currently considered safe.

Arriving campers have been contacted.

They’ve all either cancelled their reservations or transferred to other parks.

A lightning strike touched off the fire Wednesday afternoon in an area that’s very difficult to access.

The primary fuel feeding the flames is jack pine, which is highly flammable.

Motorists are urged to use caution while driving on M–123 between south of Paradise, west to Murphy Creek, north of Newberry.

As a result of the Duck Lake fire, heavy smoke has consumed the area and visibility is limited.

MDOT says portable changeable message signs are in place to warn motorists of the smoky conditions.

Posted by: Mike Hoey