Luce County Wildfire

“My thoughts and prayers go out to the residents who have been displaced as well as the brave first responders who are working tirelessly to put out this fire." - Dr. Dan Benishek.   

 

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources today announced that all landowners within the communities affected by the recent Duck Lake Fire in the Upper Peninsula's Luce County are invited to attend a public meeting at 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, June 26, at the McMillan Township Hall, at the corner of M-123 and Truman in Newberry.

The DNR has already sent more than 130 personal invitations to landowners affected by the fire.

The meeting's focus will be on assistance programs available to landowners for remediation of their properties following the Duck Lake Fire. Landowners who are seeking financial assistance or advice are encouraged to attend the meeting and learn if they qualify for federal assistance through the Forest Stewardship Program or the Emergency Forest Restoration Program from many local government agencies and stakeholders.

Representatives from the DNR, Luce County Emergency Management, the Natural Resource Conservation Service, the Farm Service Agency and many other organizations will be on hand to meet with landowners and personally answer questions.

Attendees will learn about many topics, including ways to:

• Receive financial assistance to help with the cost of removing burned trees;
• Replant property with trees; and
• Fix damaged roads and driveways.

Landowners will also have access to valuable information about fire prevention, activities of local environmental groups, and the Duck Lake Fire. The DNR encourages all landowners to join the meeting as the partner agencies identify ways to create healthy and fire-safe community forests after the recent fire.

For more information, contact Shawna Meyer, the DNR's Forest Stewardship Program leader, at 517-335-3355.

Resources

If you or someone you know needs assistance, please contact the American Red Cross Superior Upper Peninsula Chapter at 906-228-3659.

Residents can also contact Dr. Benishek’s Marquette office at 906-273-1661, or the emergency shelter at 906-293-3729.

Northern Michiganders interested in volunteering or donating should contact the American Red Cross emergency shelter in Newberry at 906-293-3729.

A hotline from the Governor's office has been established for the public to check for status updates. Feel free to call 855-440-6424 for the latest information.