Approximate Location
Incident Overview
Pine Creek North Wildfire Summary
The Upper Peninsula of Michigan has been experiencing an abnormally warm and dry spring following a relatively dry winter.
The Pine Creek Wildfire, on the Seney National Wildlife Refuge, likely began with a lighting strike on Sunday, May 20, 2012. It was first reported about 2:00pm on Monday May 21, 2012. At the time the fire was reported, it was approximately 60 acres in size and had run about 1/4 mile. By that Monday evening, the fire had burned roughly 600 acres.
Fire suppression efforts began immediately. The fire was burning in mixed conifer hardwood with a wetland and marsh component. Tracked amphibious vehicles fitted specifically for firefighting were the primary suppression tool along with Type 6 Engines and hand crews. Air assets included CL 215 air tankers, heavy helicopters and an air attack platform.
Resources from the Michigan Department of Natural Resources and the U.S. Forest Service provided assistance. National Wildlife Refuge System staff and equipment from MI, MN, WI, and IL were also involved.
Strategically the decisions were made to, having first provided for firefighter and public safety, to contain the fire within an area surrounded by Holland Ditch to the North, Pine Creek Road to the West and the Fishing Loop to the East and south. Crews have burned out fuel along Holland Ditch and Pine Creek.
Good work by firefighters combined with some wetter weather and more favorable winds has provided for containment to near 100% as of evening on May 30, 2012.
Firefighters will continue to closely monitor the burn area insuring no fire involvement in peat soils, however some downed timber and duff will probably hold some heat and produce some smoke throughout the next few weeks.
###
Basic Information
| Incident Type | Wildfire |
|---|---|
| Cause | Lighting Strike |
| Date of Origin | Sunday May 20th, 2012 approx. 12:00 AM |
| Location | 4 miles SW of Seney, MI on the Seney National Wildlife Refuge |
| Incident Commander | Gary Lindsay |
Current Situation
| Total Personnel | 13 |
|---|---|
| Size | 3,400 acres |
| Percent Contained | 100% |
| Fuels Involved | Fuel Model 3; marsh and pine islands. |
| Fire Behavior | A few smoldering interior areas. |
| Significant Events | Monitoring weather for frontal passage and possible thunderstorms with rain showers. |
Outlook
| Planned Actions | Continued working 2 Marshmasters and Engine to monitor and mop-up any remaining hot spots. |
|---|---|
| Growth Potential | Low |
| Terrain Difficulty | Moderate |
| Remarks | Transition back to the local unit will take place at 0800, May 31, 2012. Scattered rain showers, (avg 0.12") fell over the fire area last night and today. Continued demob of resources. |
Current Weather
| Wind Conditions | 8 mph NW |
|---|---|
| Temperature | 49 degrees |
| Humidity | 75% |
