| July 11, 2023
Contact: Beth Fults, 517-231-6215 or Kerry Heckman, 517-643-1256
Power line determined as cause of wildfire in Manistee, Wexford counties
Fire 80% contained as of Tuesday afternoon
 Michigan Department of Natural Resources firefighters and two local fire departments continue working today to contain a wildfire in Copemish, northwest of Mesick on the Manistee-Wexford county line.
“The 4 Corners Fire started in Wexford County Monday afternoon and quickly spread to Manistee County,” DNR Resource Protection Manager Don Klingler said. “We have confirmed it was caused by a power line.
“Several structures were lost during the fire, but we are still working on finalizing our investigation and will release more information as it becomes available.”
The fire is estimated at approximately 225 acres as of 1 p.m. today and is currently 80% contained.
It is fueled by a mix of jack pine, red pine and hardwoods, Klingler said. Fire danger in the area was extreme Monday due to windy, dry, warm weather and because forests and fields are still dry due to a lack of rain this spring. Fire danger in the area remains high today.
Thirty people were evacuated from their homes due to the fire Monday, and road closures in the area accommodated firefighting efforts and ensured public safety.
“All evacuation orders have been lifted,” Klingler said.
The fire was reported Monday via a 911 call to Wexford County. When DNR crews were dispatched at 3 p.m., it was already at 20 acres.
For a fire danger map, to check if burn permits are being issued, for fire prevention information and more, visit Michigan.gov/DNR/FireAlert.
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Note to editors: Accompanying photos are available below for download. Caption information follows.
Aerial smoke: The 4 Corners Fire was reported to 911 dispatch around 3 p.m. Monday afternoon in Copemish, northwest of Mesick on the Manistee-Wexford county line. By 1 p.m. Tuesday it is estimated at 225 acres in size and 80% contained.
Smoke plume: A significant smoke plume rises from the 4 Corners Fire, which burned in red pine, jack pine and hardwoods Monday afternoon. As of 1 p.m. Tuesday, the fire is 80% contained. |
