Duck Lake Fire Update

The Duck Lake wildfire in northern Luce County has grown in size to more than 22,000 acres.

That’s more than 34 square miles.

However, the fire suppression effort has made more progress.

The Michigan DNR says the fire is now 51 percent contained.

But road closures and evacuation orders are still in effect.

And, Tahquamenon Falls State Park is still closed.

The south end of the fire is 14 miles north of Newberry, and seven miles west of the state park’s campgrounds.

It stretches 11 miles north, right to Lake Superior.

So far, 95 structures have been reported destroyed.

Dean Wilson of the DNR says those include 34 homes or cabins, a store and a motel.

County Road 414, east from the intersection with County Road 410, remains closed.

So is county road 500 from m–123 north to little lake harbor.

Anyone living in the area from Pike Lake east to County Road 500 and north to Little Lake Harbor must remain away from home.

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

There are still no reports of any injuries.

More than 200 people are involved in the fire suppression effort.

And the DNR estimates that the cost of fighting the fire so far is slightly more than $450,000.

The DNR and the other firefighters say they’re grateful for an outpouring of support from the entire region.

Many people have lined the streets of Newberry to welcome the fire crews back to town each day.

The Red Cross has also received many donations of food, beverages and clothing, for both evacuees and firefighters.