justnorth posted on August 29, 2007 09:02 :: 1844 Views
Sleeper Lake firefighters made the most of the weather as just over fourth tenths of an inch of rain fell in the area of the fire today. Firefighters were pulled off the line early for a well deserved break in order to stay dry and healthy and let the rain work on the smoldering fire. Two National Guard Blackhawk Helicopters have returned to the area and are on stand-by to assist with water drops as needed over the next few days. The CL-215s have returned to Minnesota after providing air assistance throughout the day yesterday.
County Road 407 remains open to through traffic, however please drive with extreme caution and with your lights on in this area. County Road 420 and the Chesbrough Lake area remain under evacuation orders.
With the light rain and progress made on the fire in the last few days, the fire is now estimated at 80% containment.
The Newberry Incident Command Center's phone number is 906-293-3293. For updated information call 1-877-261-3473. Information about the Sleeper Lake Fire is also regularly posted on the DNR website at www.michigan.gov/dnr.
Size: Estimated at 18,185 acres and 80% contained.
Location: Luce County. 6.5 miles north of the Village of Newberry.
Resources: Current resources on the fire include two Blackhawk helicopters, numerous dozers, water units, engines, hand crews from various states, marsh masters, and approximately 223 personnel.
Today's rain was a big help on the fire, cooling things down temporarily. A stationary front is expected to bring quite a bit of precipitation to the area on Thursday afternoon. The forecast for the next few days has showers in the forecast. This can mean nothing but good news for a fire that has burned and smoldered underground for nearly three weeks.
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