Wildfires pop up in dry U.P. forests

MARQUETTE - Michigan Department of Natural Resources fire officials are hoping for rain this weekend to counter some late season indicators for wildfire danger.

A handful of wildfires were reported Friday, most battled by local volunteer fire departments, as temperatures climbed into the 50s with gusting winds and dry forest fuel conditions.

"The leaves that have fallen are at their peak dryness right now," said Robert Ziel, a DNR fire specialist in Marquette. "And that leaf litter, the wind is blowing the leaves around."

The largest of the fires reported Friday was a blaze in Marquette Township near the Little Garlic River, which blackened about 30 acres. Local fire departments and DNR fire crews worked on the fire.

Ziel said no cause was known Friday, but crews suspect the blaze might have been burning overnight. It was reported Friday morning.

Crews expect to be keeping an eye on the burned area over the weekend.

Also, a small fire of a few acres burned along Herman Road in Baraga County Friday. That blaze was reported Friday afternoon. Chocolay Township fire crews put out another fire of several acres off Cherry Creek Road, as well.

Ziel said fire crews have been able to effectively battle the fires.

"These fires are going out fairly quickly," Ziel said.

Rain would help reduce the fire danger a great deal. High winds and warm temperatures are again forecast for Sunday. Ziel said this could again heighten fire concern for some "reasonable fire conditions" if rains don't arrive.

"We would see fire activity pick up again," he said.

Ziel said the potential for fires could also be increased with Sunday being the opening day of firearm deer season. The woods will likely be filled with hunters.

The late season fire danger is being attributed most to the unusually warm weather with temperatures in the 50s. Last year at this time, it had snowed and it was cold.

"What's unusual is the temperatures we have right now," Ziel said.