Fire crews were still mopping up on Tuesday after an escaped campfire caused an approximately 135-acre wildfire Sunday just north of Manton in Wexford County.
The Fife Lake Outlet Fire, about halfway between Traverse City and Cadillac, began after a campfire at a private residence escaped its ring and burned through dry grass, according to Bret Baker, fire supervisor in the Michigan Department of Natural Resources’ Cadillac office.
The fire was fueled by dry grass and dry leaves and needles on the ground, Baker said in a news release.
The fire burned through jack pine, red pine and oak trees.
“It hasn’t been this dry before this early in the season,” Baker said.
The homeowner had put water on the fire before going inside, according to the release.
Michigan State Police assisted the DNR by evacuating a nearby campground.
A total of 18 DNR firefighters and crews from five local fire departments battled the blaze. It was contained at about 10 p.m. Sunday.
Evacuees were allowed to return to the campground around 11 p.m.
DNR firefighters were assisted by the City of Manton Fire Department and the Fife Lake Area, Cedar Creek, South Boardman and Haring Township fire departments.
Equipment used included four bulldozers, one skidder and four engines. The USDA Forest Service provided two Fire Boss tanker airplanes, which strategically dropped water on the fire in a coordinated effort with the DNR's spotter airplane.
With very little rain statewide during May, conditions remain very dry across the state.
As a result, the DNR is not issuing any burn permits at this time. Yard waste burning is the top cause of wildfires in Michigan. If a backyard fire gets away from you, call 911 immediately.
Check Michigan.gov/BurnPermit before you start a fire to make sure weather conditions allow for safe burning. In southern Lower Peninsula communities, consult local fire authorities.
Fire safety information is available at Michigan.gov/FireManagement.
