Grayling Visitors Bureau

The rain overnight along with the work of the fire fighters has dampened down the fire. Crews are still putting out hot spots. The State DNRE people are planning on transsioning down today and turning the scene over to the Grayling DNRE crews and Frederic Fire.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 8, 2011
Contacts: Jack Pilon, Public Information Officer, 989-348-6371, ext. 7480 or Mary Dettloff 517-335-3014

Howes Lake Fire Caused by Lightning Strike

Department of Natural Resources investigators have determined that the Howes Lake Fire in Crawford County this week was caused when lightning struck a jack pine tree near Howes Lake near the junction of M-72 and Manistee River Road near the Crawford-Kalkaska county line.

The lightning strike apparently happened on Monday, June 6, and smoldered until winds sent it spreading north, burning 817 acres and causing evacuation of 100 homes in the area. Two outbuildings were destroyed and five houses sustained damage.

Residents were allowed to return to their homes Tuesday evening. The fire was declared contained Wednesday morning. Fire crews are working to extinguish hot spots along the perimeter. Weather conditions are still a concern as the temperatures remain high and winds continue to gust.

For more information on wildfire prevention, go to www.michigan.gov/dnr-fire.

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources is committed to the conservation, protection, management, use and enjoyment of the state’s natural and cultural resources for current and future generations. For more information, go to www.michigan.gov/dnr.

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