Aerial photo of Duck Lake Fire burning in northern Luce County, Michigan
/ Dean Wilson
LUCE COUNTY -- The massive Duck Lake Fire burning in northern Luce County has grown to 22,204 acres according to the Department of Natural Resources, and Monday is looking to be another active fire day.
Crews are currently working on containment of the fire, which is currently holding at 51 percent. DNR crews say they are having difficulty securing the southeast section of the fire due to less accessibility to that area. The fire is currently burning 14 miles north of Newberry. Flame lengths within the fire's perimeter are still 10 to 15 feet, and so far 21 miles of the 40-mile long perimeter is uncontained fire line, according to the DNR.
Property damage is still being assessed, and Dean Wilson of the DNR says that 95 structures have been burned and lost. This includes 34 homes or cottages, 22 garages, 20 sheds or outbuildings, 17 campers, one store and one motel.
The estimated cost of fighting the fire so far is $450,557.
TV6 Meteorologist Wesley Williams says the forecast looks warm and breezy on Monday, with winds coming out of the south around 10 to 20 miles an hour. One issue that might cause a problem for firefighters is the shift in winds on Wednesday. According to forecasts, there will be very strong winds from the north on Wednesday, which hasn't been an issue since May 21, around the time the fire started.
If you would like to help in assisting residents and firefighters in Luce County, contact the Duck Lake Fire relief effort at (906) 293-3729.
We will continue to provide updated information on the fire, so check back here and be sure to watch the TV6 news.
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