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Mopping up the Duck Lake Wildfire
Posted: 06.04.2012 at 8:00 AM
Jennifer Perez

Reporter

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Concerns with underground hot spots

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NEWBERRY -- Crews are chopping, chain sawing, and hosing down hot spots at the Duck Lake wildfire. Firefighters are expected to work about sixteen hours today.

George DeCota says it's not getting any easier.

"A lot of hot spots and rough terrain it's hard to get at, a lot of foot action out there," said DeCota.

The reason these crews are here? Needles that fall from Jack Pines act as an excellent fuel source that could possibly reignite a new fire. Crews have to go back and make sure they are put out.

Finding the areas aren't easy. Division supervisor, Steve Cameron, says they can't be seen from the surface.

"Because of the organic material that's in the ground, it will burn deep in the ground. Until we get warm, dry, windy weather, a lot of that stuff won't pick up, and we can't do anything with it or locate it until it starts smoking," said Cameron.

Now DNR officials are trying to coordinate with FEMA to make sure they are compensated for the use of their resources.

Public Information Officer Don Johnson told TV6 so far, efforts have been unsuccessful.

"We coordinated with them during the day; the initial request went in about five o'clock that day. I heard Saturday morning we were denied which is not unusual. Over the next 30 days, we will be pulling together documentation as part of an appeal," Johnson said.

Efforts to put out the fire is costing almost two million dollars. Officials now say the fire is 63 percent contained, having burned more than 21,000 acres.

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