This page contains all the information I came up with during the Sleeper Lake Wildfire. All information is, to the best of my knowledge, accurate. If you have any questions about any thing on this page or this website, please email me at julie@mymidwestweb.com
I am the sole owner of this site, all information is not the responsibility of anyone else, but myself. I kept in close contact with officials and all pictures, unless other wise noted, belong to me! (c)
Thank you and I hope you enjoy this informational page, I put a lot of time into this, just for you!

 UPDATE: December 27, 2007

 T-shirts commemorating the Sleeper Lake Fire, sold in the Newberry area during that nearly-five-week mid-summer blaze, produced donations totaling $1,900 to the Eastern Upper Peninsula Food Bank to assist those in need in Michigan's Luce County.

    Commemorative shirts are something of a tradition for big fires, said Scott Heather, DNR wildfire supervisor.

    "Because the community rallied in such a supportive manner to assist the DNR and others during the Sleeper Lake Fire," Heather said in a news release, "it was appropriate that proceeds from the shirt sales be given back to the community that gave so much to the fire fighters."

    During the 4 1/2 weeks that the fire was active, the DNR said the Luce County community supported the firefighters by taking in laundry and providing baked goods and lunches. Cash donations made to a local food market purchased supplies to help feed the firefighters. Organizations provided meals at no charge. Support items donated included socks, energy drinks, boots and more.

    Bill Sterrett, DNR Forest Unit manager at Cadillac, designed the shirt, and a Baraga print shop produced it. Shirts might still be available at Josie's Posies (906-586-6276) in Curtis, or Papa Reggie's (906-293-8211) or the IGA Store (906-293-5141) in Newberry.

Scroll down to read daily updates!

Sleeper Lake Fire
North of Newberry, Michigan (Luce County)
3rd largest wildfire in Michigan
(2nd largest in the U.P)
Started August 2nd, 2007

We appreciate all the wonderful emails!
Please be sure to sign our guest book, before you leave!
Feel free to leave a message or just say "thank you" to the firefighters & volunteers!
See guest book on home page: www.mymidwestweb.com

THANK YOU, to all the men & women, who are here in our area, putting their life on the line to
save the land, structures, wildlife & people, of the Sleeper Lake Wildfire!
GOD BLESS each & everyone of you!

Nice Detailed MAP
Perimeter with Date & Time
Click link to view picture: http://www.mymidwestweb.com/page48.html

All information on this page is updated, to the best of my knowledge, by mymidwestweb.com, I am trying to keep information correct & updated, as much & as quickly, as possible.
Thank you from Julie, owner of this website!

A little about me: I have been a columnist, for a local newspaper, since 1996. I extablished mymidwestweb website in Aug. 2006. I helped with another website before this. I love to write & research! We enjoy camping & the great outdoors, especally here in the U.P.

FINAL UPDATE: December 2, 2007
Did you know that more then 20 thousand acres burned in MI. where there were at least 395 wild fires this year, DNR Reported. With snow on the ground, no worried for those to flare up again this year! 2007 will never be forgotten from the extreme drough to the wildfires, including this one "Sleeper Lake Wildfire" in Newberry's Upper Peninsula!

It looks like the Sleeper Lake Fire took 18,185 acres, which began with a lighting strike on August 2. It spread quickly, with evacuations and mobilizations from many firefighting resources across Michigan, other states and Canada! An approximate number of 350 helped during this extreme blaze! Including National Guard, Camp Grayling, who brought helicopters with buckets and a water scooping tanker from Minnesota. From Ontario, an aerial ignition helped to get this wildfire under control.

The fire was approx. 7 miles North of Newberry. Smoke was in the air from miles away! Including a report from as far away as Petoskey, with wind conditions the way they were, this wasn't surprising!

The Michigan Department of National Resources estimated this wildfire cost $7.5 million dollars.

No one was serious hurt and an older building was lost.
Read the updates below, if you haven't yet. It gives a day-by-day, hour-by-hour details on the second largest wildfire in Upper Michigan!

Thank you to all who helped in any way, I can't begin to name people, volunteers or groups who helped, I know I'll miss someone! You know who you are and you are more then GREATLY appreciated!

GOD BLESS each and everyone of you!

Toll free number for up-to-date info. on the fire: 1-877-261-3473. I believe this is a record message, with info. on the fire.
This special phone number was set up, to call directly to this area, for those wanting to Help with supplies: 906-293-9450.
Update: Aug. 8 Donations have been pouring in, they now have plenty of supplies, on hand. All donations have been greatly appreciated. If this changes, I'll try to post it here.
Please continue to support the Red Cross, Salvation Army, or local organizations! 
UPDATE: Aug. 14 - Personal Hygiene Items Needed!
Items like: Hand Lotions, Lip Balm, Tooth Paste, Tooth Brushes, Hair Brushes/Combs, Contact Solution, Shampoo, Hand Soap, and so on... If you can bring in small, individual items, to the Red Cross location, set up at 4-Mile Corner, North of Newberry, these would be greatly appreciated!
Aug. 20, UPDATE: Donations of lunch snacks and fruits/vegetables, high in potassium, is greatly apprecited, also 100% juice boxes. Call: 906-293-3729 For more information.
Aug. 22, Update: Donations of Leather Sewing Kits, to repair boots, is greatly appreciated.
If you would like to make a donation of this item, please bring them to Four Mile Corner.
If you would like to help with laundry efforts or supplies please contact: Dan Moore at 906-477-3293.
The Salvation Army EDS team, in conjunction with the Red Cross, is providing food and hydration to those battling the blaze. The Salvation Army is serving breakfast, lunch and dinner to nearly 300 firefighters, state police, and other support teams a day through four emergency disaster services vehicle (canteen), located at a command post in Newberry, MI. The Army is also prepared to offer emotional and spiritual care. Monetary donations earmarked “Disaster Relief” may be sent to 1215 East Fulton, Grand Rapids, MI, 49503; pledged on-line at www.salvationarmyusa.org; or by calling 1-800-SAL-ARMY.

Conn. Firefighters Return Home. Read more and see a short video.
Follow this link... http://www.wfsb.com/news/13987436/detail.html

Sleeper Lake Fire News Updates
Scroll Down For Daily Information

Update: Sept. 10, 2007
Thank you, Tracy McDermott, DNR Public Information Officer, for sending me this bit of information. Some of my readers were asking about the fire and with the rain, the reports slowed down a lot.
Tracy said, the last he knew the fire was 95% contained at 18,185 acres. He added: "The rain which fell heavily in some areas was hit or miss over the fire area and the fire area did not pick up as much as was reported in other areas, like Marquette last week." 
I had ask Tracy about wildlife photos, like the bear sightings, he said "Les Homan has the fire photos archive, but none of the bear sightings."
Tracy continued, "The fire was turned over to Paul Gaberdiel, at the local unit, and his staff will be patrolling and monitoring. The burning ban was still on in the U.P the last I knew. Our DNR Communications Section will release a media update when this changes. I'm sure that it will be on the local news and in the local papers as so many are concerned with the ban."
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Update: Sept. 9
We finely got some well needed rain! As much as we enjoyed the hot, dry summer weather, the rain was a welcome change!
I'm waiting on a report from Tracy McDermott, DNR Public Information Officer, who said she hadn't forgot about me and will be sending me an update soon, when I hear from her, I'll post it here.
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Updated: September 2, Report
Fire suppression activities continue today on the Sleeper Lake Fire, including patrolling and monitoring. Approximately 25 fire personnel remain working on the fire. A crew from Wisconsin is working the fire today. There is a fifty percent chance of precipitation tomorrow night, with a better chance on Thursday.
The Sleeper Lake Fire still has hot spots in the northern and southern areas of the fire, and there is still smoldering, both on the surface and deep down in the peat. Crews are working hard cutting trails through the thick cedar swamp, into the hot spots and mopping up.

The fire is a closed area and cannot be entered except by fire personnel and law enforcement agencies. The fire hazards mentioned above and the hazards of falling trees still pose a serious hazard. The fire area will be patrolled and the restriction to travel within the fire boundaries will be enforced.
The burning ban for the Upper Peninsula remains in effect. The ban was rescinded in the Lower Peninsula, due to sufficient rainfall. Refer to the DNR website for detailed informaiton on burning ban restrictions.
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Update: Aug. 31, 8 p.m. Report
Estimated at 18,185 acres and 95% contained
Transfer of Command on the Sleeper Lake Fire will be turned over to the Newberry Forest Management Unit on Saturday morning, Sept. 1, 2007. Paul Gaberdiel is the area fire supervisor at the Newberry Field Office.
The Sleeper Lake Fire is still being monitored closely as it is still smoldering or burning in deep in the peat, a couple of active hot spots still burning in the interior, but the fire can be monitored and patrolled by the local unit.
The fire area is a closed area and can not be entered except by fire personnel and law enforcement agencies. Along with the fire hazards mentioned above, many trees have had root systems destroyed and falling trees pose a serious hazard. The fire area will be patrolled and this restriction to travel within the fire boundaries will be enforced.
~The burning ban remains in effect throughout the U.P. due to drought conditions.
Restrictions were lifted in the Lower Peninsula due to sufficient rainfall.
The ban includes all public and private forests and forest lands. Forest land is defined as any land capable of growing trees.
~Campfire will be allowed at most state parks and recreation areas, and campers must have campfires only in the designated fire ring on their designated campsite. There are some state parks that have rustic, unsupervised areas for camping. Those areas will not be allowed to have campfires. If you are planning on staying at a rustic cabin at a state park, please check with the park in advance about campfire guidelines for the cabin. Campers should check at the state park for guidelines for campfires.
~State forest campgrounds have designated campsites and fire rings, they are not supervised. The burn ban prohibits campfires in state forest campgrounds or similar rustic, unsupervised campgrounds. You also cannot have a campfire if you are dispersed camping in a state, federal or private forest area.
~You can have a campfire at a private campground as long as the owner provides continuous supervision of the facility and your campsite has a designated fire ring that is metal or masonry.
~As long as you have your fire in a container that is either metal or masonry or in a fire ring, you are not violating the ban. You should take precautions to have a garden hose ready to extinguish any coals or embers that escape the ring. Do not use dirt to cover up your fire at the end of the night. Dirt will not completely extinguish your fire, and may even insulate the coals and embers. Always completely wet down your fire with water.
~If you work in an office building and take your smoke breaks outside, you will not be violating the burn ban unless your office is located next to forest lands. You may smoke at your home or in your vehicle.
They urge you not to discard cigarette or cigar butts outside while driving - many grass fires start that way. (Plus, it is a violation of the state's litter law.) You will not be able to smoke on any forest lands, including privately owned property.
~The Governor will issue another proclamation lifting the ban when the peninsula receives adequate rainfall to alleviate the drought conditions. There is no set timetable for the ban, and it will depend completely on the weather over the next few weeks.
~Burning brush, leaves, branches, refuse, stumps, grass, stubble, crop residue or any flammable materials is a violation of the ban. Persons who violate the ban will be charged with a misdemeanor. Persons found responsible for starting a wildland fire can be held liable for ALL suppressions costs.
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Update: Aug. 30, 8 p.m. Report
Fire fighters have made considerable progress in the last few days extending containment of the Sleeper Lake Fire. The fire is being monitored closely as it is still smoldering or burning deep in the peat, with a couple of active hot spots still burning. Many trees have had root systems destroyed and falling trees pose a serious hazard. The fire area will be patrolled and this restriction to travel within the fire boundaries will be enforced.
Incident Command for this fire will be turned over to the local unit in the very near future. The Incident Command Post for the Sleeper Lake Fire was moved from 4 mile corner to the Newberry Field Office. The 'store' which the Salvation Army and American Red Cross established and maintained with donations from members of the surrounding communities will be open to the fire fighters through tomorrow.
Michigan, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Ontario and Manitoba Natural Resources agencies established the Great Lakes Forest Fire Compact in order to promote effective prevention, pre-suppression and control of forest fires in the Lake States region of the U.S. adjacent areas of Canada. The agreemane, reached by this compact, allows member agencies to quickly share equipment and resources as needs arise.
During the Sleeper Lake Fire, the State of Minnesota shared CL-215 Water Bombers; the US Forest Service shared a helicopter; and the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, the U.S., Forest Service, the Bureau of Indian Affairs, the Bureau of Land Management, the State of Wisconsin and Province of Ontario all shared crews and equipment. Without these resources readily available, the Sleeper Lake Fire could have been much worse. More information on the Great Lake Forest Fire Compact can be found at www.glffc.com

Morale and motivation for all fire crews has been very high during the course of the fire, even though fire personnel have been away from their home and families for extended periods of time. Mingo Crew #2 US Forest Service-Puixco Missouri, led by Crew Boss Robert Waldner, demobilized yesterday and departed very early this morning.
they were one of the more motivated crews on this assignment. Each morning before the bus departed, they would share inspirational readings with each other. Each evening, upon their return to ICC, they could be heard chanting hoorahs as their bus returned to the yard. Crew Boss Waldner, who served on numerous western fires, made a point of commenting on the unprecedented generosity and support that the fire crews received from the communities impacted by the fire.
If you have made travel plans to come to the area, you are encouraged to do so. Fire fighters heartily attest to the hospitality of the communities most affected by the fire, including Village of Newberry and all of Luce County. They, and all of the communities in the Upper Peninsula, await your visit.
The 55 mph speed limit was re-instated on Highway M-123.
The bridge over Dawson Creek on CR 414 in Luce Co. scheduled for removal today, will remain open until Tuesday, September 4, 2007, to allow for holiday travel.
The burning ban remains in effect throughout the U.P. due to drought conditions. Recreational campfires are not allowed, except in thsoe campgrounds with on site rangers, managers or owners and designated locations for campfires; or in places of habitation with permanently established metal or masonry containers or fire rings. Additional restrictions are also imposed with the burning ban. For a complete list of burning ban restrictions, please visit the DNR website, www.michigan.gov/dnr
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Update: 8 p.m. Aug. 29 Report
Russ MacDonald, Incident Commander, on the Sleeper Lake Fire, the third largest fire recorded in Michigan's history, advises that this fire is 95% contained. Two relatively small areas of concern remain, one on the SW and one on the NW side of the fire, where crews are continuing mop-up operations. Paul Gaberdiel, Area Fire Supervisor Newberry Field Office, reports that there are already signs of Mother Nature healing herself. Paul reports seeing various wildlife in the fire area, including seven Sharptail Grouse, and that charred areas in the marshes are already greening up.
The number of fire personnel has dropped dramatically over the last few days, down to approximately 75 fire personnel. The fire crews worked today pulling pipes and hose from various areas around the fire line. Hazardous trees along highway M-123 were downed and are no longer considered a problem for passing motorists.
The cost of suppression on the Sleeper Lake Fire has reached six million dollars.
Fire fighters have made considerable progress in mop up of this fire and do not expect it to pose any danger to Labor Day visitors. If you have made travel plans to come to the area, you are encouraged to do so. Fire fighters can heartily attest to the hospitality of the communities most affected by the fire, including Newberry and Luce County. They, and all of the communities in the eastern Upper Peninsula, welcome your support and await your visit.
Luce County Sheriff, Kevin Erickson, advises that property owners and their guests may return to the Chesbrough Lake, Widgeon/Sawdust Pile road, Spile Dam and East Branch Sportsman's Club areas.
These individuals are permitted back into these areas under the following conditions:
DO NOT travel on the main roads in this area from 8 a.m. through 10 a.m. or from 6 p.m. through 8 p.m.
NO ONE will be allowed in the fire area, either by vehicle or foot!
REMEMBER, State law requires all motorists to yield to emergency vehicles and equipment.
This area will be patrolled and these restrictions will be enforced.
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Update: Aug. 29, 8:30 a.m.
The canteen, that was set up at 4 mile corner, with the Red Cross and Salvation Army's help, along with support from the community, is no longer needed. Plans are to wrap it up this Friday, Aug. 31.
The other day a fire fighter, who was wearing a size 9 boot, but who actually needed a size 10, got a well needed pair of boots. Mary, from the Community Center in Newberry, talked to Charlie Vallier at the DNR in Naubinway, who told her the boots could be bought right there at a Naubinway Business. Mary drove to Naubinway and brought them back to the very greatful firefighter. Mary said she found out the firefighter needed the boots at 7 a.m. and by 10 a.m. he was wearing them.
On a sad note: When Mary returned to the community center, to get lunch ready for the kids who go there, she left her purse in the car and forgot to lock her car, needless to say, her purse came up missing. She is asking if anyone notices a black purse, laying in the ditch, alley, garbage, etc. to please pick it up and return it to her. She has a lot of very important papers in it. She said there will be no questions asked, she just needs the important items back!
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Update: Aug. 29, 8 a.m. Report
Luce County Sheriff, Kevin Erickson, advises that property owners and their guests may return to the Chesbrough Lake, Widgeon/Sawdust Pile road, Spile Dam and East Branch Sportsman's Club area.
These individuals are permitted back into these areas under the following conditions:
DO NOT travel on the main roads in this area from 8 a.m. through 10 a.m. or from 6 p.m. through 8 p.m.
NO ONE will be allowed in the fire area, either by vehicle or foot!
REMEMBER, State law requires all motorists to yield to emergency vehicles and equipment.
This area will be patrolled and these restrictions will be enforced.
CR 420 remains under the evacuation order.
Anyone wishing to access properties within the evacuated zone should contact the Sheriff Department's office directly at 906-293-8431.
They appreciate everyone's patience and cooperation during this fire!

The DNR is demobilizing some of the hose, which pumped water into areas of the fire, several thousand feet were pulled along the northern boundary of the fire and will continue to pull more. Enough will be kept on hand, incase it is needed again.
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Update: Aug. 28, 9:40 p.m. Report
It was a pretty quiet day today for fire crews on the Sleeper Lake Fire. The point four inches (.4") of rain this morning helped to quiet down hot spots; crews found a few smoke spots around the perimeter and focused on those hot spots. Roughly 26,000 feet of hose was pulled from the northern boundary of the fire. The 101 fire fighters currently working on the Sleeper Lake Fire had a relatively easy day, and were thankful for an early evening and the chance for a little R and R tonight (rest and relaxation).
A severe storm is expected to pass through the area tonight with numerous lighting strikes and wind gusts to 35 mph. There were appoximately 50 lighting strikes in Luce County and Northwestern Chippewa County and another 20 in Mackinac County, during the storm which passed through early this morning.
Safety officers reported an injury on Monday; a fire fighter with a scratched cornea.
The 55 mph speed limit was re-instated on CR 407.
CR 420 and the Chesbrough Lake area remain under evacuation order tonight. Anyone wishing to access properties within the evacuated zones should contact the Sheriff Department's Office directly at: 906-293-8431.
Questions on the Mile Alley Fire (Mackinac County, North of Engadine) should contact the Naubinway Field Office, Monday through Friday, between the hours of 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. at 906-477-6048.
The burning ban remains in effect throughout the U.P. due to drought conditions. Dry fuels provide a ready opportunity for a fire to grow quickly if it gets away.
Kristie Sitar, Wildlife Biologist, followed up with the Wildlife Rehabber, Randy Bruntjens, on the saw-whet owl rescued from the fire. Randy told Kristie the owl is gaining strength and is now eating regularly.
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Update: Aug. 28, 9:30 a.m.
I got up at 5 a.m. in hopes to see the Eclipse of the Moon, but clouds interfered with that, along with thunder and lighting, which wasn't good.
The Engadine fire (named: Mile Alley Fire) consumed appx. 13.1 acres, crews left around 8:30 p.m. last night, but I believe they were back this morning concentrating on a few spots in the cedar, to touch up on.
An official air plane flew over the Sleeper Lake Fire, last night, at dusk. The pilot said it looked like a bunch of little camp fires in the fire area. Which, of coarse, were not camp fires, but hot spots, from the wildfire!
The little owl, rescued from the Sleeper Lake Fire, is doing much better and is able to eat mice, it is gaining strength! They named the little owl "Sleepy".
The Sleeper Lake Fire only received 38/100th of an inch of rain, so it didn't touch the fire down deep. Containment is still 80% and mop up continues and will continue for some time yet! The two Mi. National Guard Helicoptors, that had returned to their home base, returned to the Sleeper Lake fire, as promised when needed, earlier last week, have now returned, to their base again, but will come back if needed. Their help, and dedication, is greatly appreciated!
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Update: Aug. 27, 8 p.m. Report
Work on the fire lines over the last few days really paid off for firefighters today. In spite of the gusty winds and drying fuels, the fire stayed within the lines. Fire forces were beefed up along the north lines for patrol and immediate reaction to flare-ups. Some hotspots were noted, but quickly taken care of. Patrol and monitoring continued until 8 p.m. when temperatures began to fall and humidity increased. The wind is expected to continue to be strong throught the night and into tomorrow, but not expected to push the fire outside the fire lines.
Tomorrow is expected to be another High fire day, but the winds are expected to moderate as the day goes on, and humidity is expected to be higher. There remains a concern along the NE line, where an interior hotspot in tag alder roughly 10 acres in size, continues to smolder and be a potential source of trouble. Incident commander MacDonald will address this over the next couple of days.
Safety officers were pleased with another injury free day, in spite of snags falling in the high winds.
CR 407 will have the 45 mph speed limit lifted tomorrow. CR 420 and the Chesbrough Lake area remain under evacuation order.
As of today, there are 8 active forest fires currently on-going in the U.P ranging up to 13 acres in size. These fires continue to stretch firefighters and push equipment to its limits.
Incident command plans for the Sleeper Lake Fire include allocating initial attack team resources to respond to any new fires. Fire fighters from the Sleeper Lake fire have responded as part of the initial attack team to the Mile Alley Road in Mackinac County. This fire is located NE of the village of Engadine in an area that had previously been part of a timber sale on private land. The fire began in a logging slash, winds quickly pushed it toward a cedar stand. Usually this works to firefighter's advantage, since cedar grows in wet areas and can help slow the fire, giving fire fighters an advantage. Today, because of the drought the fire burned through the cedar and was stopped as it exited the other side.
Hose has been laid, and a drop tank is in place. Current resources on the Mile Alley fire include: two dozers, and 3 water units. Between 12 and 20 personnel either are or will be engaged fighting this fire. Air 4, the fixed wing aircraft, flew over the Sleeper Lake Fire and then over to the Mile Alley Fire, in Engadine, directing traffic, looking for spotting and watching for backfires behind equipment.
The burning ban remains in effect throughout the upper peninsula, due to the current weather conditions and dry fuels providing a ready opportunity for a fire to grow quickly if it gets away.
Weather prediction for tomorrow:
High temperature: 76 degrees with a relative hunidity of 64%
Winds: SW at 15-21 mph, decreasing to 8-13 mph.
There is a chance for rain and thunderstorms in the evening.
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Update: Sunday, Aug. 26, 11 p.m.
It's 54 degrees outside, tonight, and a very still and quiet evening!
Normally it would be a perfect night for a campfire, but we put on a warm jacket, sat in the lawn chairs and enjoyed star gazing instead.
The burning ban continues in Michigan!
We're enjoying the nice weather, but we need rain. Where we camp the lake has went down tremendiously!
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Update: 8 p.m. Mi. DNR Report, Aug. 26
Tomorrow's weather and fire behavior look to be some of the most critical since the last flare up on Aug. 21. The big difference is the strenghtened fire lines and the dramatic reduction of hot spots along all lines, especially the western edge of the fire. A water handling system has pumped 1.3 million gallons of water out of nearby creeks and swamps onto this area. Attention will now be focused on the northern fire line, with strong southerly winds expected to gust up 30 MPH, and temperatures predicted to reach 80 degrees. The Incident Commander, Russ MacDonald, is telling fire fighters to expect a long day patrolling lines and to be prepared for flare ups and other fire starts. Fire Safety officers are warning Fire Fighters to be careful of dead snags blowing down in the high winds.

The cost for suppression on the Sleeper Lake Fire has topped 5 million dollars so far. Over half has gone to Air Operations, but without them, they could not have contained the fire. The Black Hawks and Fire Fighters have really hammered hot spots on the fire lines in the last few days. As a result, lines were cool enough to allow the Black Hawks to remain on stand-by today.

CR 407 and M-123 are open to through traffic, but the Chesbrough Lake area and CR 420 remain under evacuation orders.

Anyone wishing to access properties within the evacuated zones should contact the Sheriff Department's office directly at 906-293-8431.

Weather for tomorrow: Maximum Temperature: 80 degrees, Relative Humidity: 37%, Winds: Southwesterly at 15-20 mph by late in the day. Cloud cover is expected to be at 50% by 6 p.m.
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Update: 9 a.m. Mi. DNR Report Aug. 26
With all the work done on the Sleeper Lake Fire over the last couple days, fewer and fewer smokes near the fire line are being found. Shaded fuels still had some moisture in them on Saturday, causing them to smolder for the most part. Litter fuel on the surface of the forest floor is not that dry, but the ground below is very dry and will burn deep and slow, destroying root systems. Winds are expected to lighten as they turn south, and fire fighters were cautioned to look for variable wind directions in the fire area. Variable winds can cause activity on opposite sides of the fire and since this fire is burning underground, destroying root systems, trees can and will topple. Fire fighters are looking for activity to pick up on internal forest islands.

Bear Safety is also a concern. Several fire fighters have had encounters with bear. Keith Murphy, Fire Officer-Seney Field Office, was standing still, reading a map locating hot spots when he heard a crack and looked up. He saw a 200 pound black bear standing about 10 feet away. He and the bear stared each other down for a moment, then Keith began waving his arms and yelling. The bear took a couple of steps back, stopped and stared Keith down again. Keith slowly walked backward, got on his ATV and left the immediate area. Jeremy Turner, Fire Officer-Sanford Field Office, was checking an interior island which was burning and noticed a 150 pound black bear standing about forty feet away. Jerry started walking south and the bear took off running northeast east, toppling trees whose root systems had been destroyed. Other fire fighters in his crew heard the commotion and moved in concerned for Jerry's safety; fire fighters call toppling trees 'widow makers'. Jerry explained that is was simply the bear making a hurried exit. Finally, Terry Popour, Fire Officer-Gwinn Field Office, inadvertently drove his ATV between a sow with a cub on one side of the road and her two other cubs on the opposite side of the road. Terry got out of there quick like.

CR 407 is open to through traffic, however please drive with caution and with your lights on in this area. The Chesbrough Lake area and CR 420 remain under evacuation orders. Anyone wishing to access properties within the evacuated zones should contact the Sheriff Department's office directly at 906-293-8431. The Newberry Incident Command Center's phone number is: 906-293-3293. For updated information call 1-877-261-3473.
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Update: 7 p.m. Mi. DNR Report, Aug. 25
Fire fighters continued to make good progress on the Sleeper Lake Fire. The weather prediction for today held true, with wind gusts the most notable concern. Bog fires burn under ground and destroy root systems, which can cause trees to drop, posing a hazard to fire fighters; however, the safety record for this fire has been excellent. Over the last twenty days, there has been an average of 253 fire fighters fighting this fire 14 hours each day, and only 8 minor injuries have been reported.

Barring any unforeseen circumstances, the Incident Commander, Russ MacDonald, remains cautiously optimistic about scaling back the number of personnel and resources dedcated to fighting this fire. One fire fighting crew, the Bureau of Indian Affairs-Baraga, departed today; and one crew each from Connecticut and Wisconsin may demobilize tomorrow. The Air Guard operations may be released as early as Monday if the weather holds. Terrain influences the way that fires are fought, and with main burning areas concentrated under the canopy, ground crews will become the most effective means of fighting this type of fire.

Over the course of the Sleeper Lake Fire, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources has been assisted with personnel and equipment provided by various international, national, state and local agencies including 20 different Volunteer Fire Departments, the Army and Air National Guard, the US State Police, Luce County Sheriff Department and Auxiliary, Luce County Road Commission, Luce County Animal Control, Luce County Ambulance, the Salvation Army, American Red Cross, and the US Fish and Wildlife Service-Seney National Wildlife Refuge.
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Update: Aug. 25
Over the next few days a specialized police helicopter, with heat detecting infrared equipment, will try to find hot spots. This is simular to the military night goggles, which was used earlier in this fire.
Two of the Michigan National Guard Blackhawks, came back & continue to haul water from local lakes, which has been a wonderful help fighting this fire, since much of the fire is in areas where large equipment cannot get into, let alone by foot!
Hopefully good progress will be made before the hot, dry, gusty weather begins again! If all goes well, hopefully by mid Sept. the fire can be completely contained and under control.
The DNR's Drought code (Temp., Wind, Rain) is usually appx. 3 to 4 hundred, before they begin to be concerned. It's at 600 right now! So it's more then dry out there!
Don't forget about the burning ban! The signs posted say NO Smoking and NO Campfires, along with other information! So, until the ban is lifted, please obey the law! 
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Update: Aug. 24
Promising Firefighting Conditions!
Progress being made! No active flames. Continue to mop-up!
Wind Calm, Mostly Cloudy! Should be a good day for progress!
Michigan National Guard, Black Hawk, helicopters are on standby at the airport, just in case they are needed.
The Sleeper Lakes Fire is estimated, today, at 18,185 acres and 80% contained.
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Update: Aug. 23
Black Hawks were grounded yesterday, due to low visibility. They'll try to go up today, to dump water on hot spots.
The CL-215 went back yesterday, to Minn.
Next week tempertures are expected to be warm again with high wind gusts.
Hopefully by then the containment will be complete.
Continue to pray for a good soaking rain!
CR 420 and Chesbrough Lake Road remains closed.
CR 407 is open, but please watch for big equipment and fire trucks, be ready to pull over or slow down, when meeting them.
KEEP HEADLIGHTS ON!!
Be aware of reduced speed limits!
----------------------
Update: Aug. 22
Rain help the firefighters get a little break. Fire is 80% contained.
Wildlife Rescued
A juvenile Northern Saw-whet owl rescued Tuesday from the Sleeper Lakes Wildfire in Luce County has been transported to a licensed wildlife rehabilitator in Gladstone for further care and treatment. The owl was found a few days ago near the fire line by a hand crew from Wisconsin working on containing the fire.
Leslie Homan, DNR, told me it was first reported to him on August 16, by Mike Fitzgibbon a member of the Wisconsin fire handcrew working on the west side of the fire. They discovered the baby owl (still in pinfeathers) while working on the fire line. It appeared to be injured, so tehy decided to keep an eye on it. No facilities were open on the weekend. Over the next few days, the crew checked on the owl daily. The first day, there appeared to be mice left for the baby owl, but subsequently there was no food and the little bird started to look weaker.
On the evening of the 20th they decided to bring the owl in for the local wildlife biologist to look over and get to a local licensed wildlife rehab specialist. One member of the crew, Edna, kept the bird overnight and they brought it in early on Aug. 21, when they came for briefing. The Biologist looked it over and determined that it was was pretty weak and undernourished, but alert and hungry! It ate several meals of waxworms that day, and the biologist took it home for the night. She also made contact with a rehab specialist in the Escanaba area. On Aug. 21, the little owl made its way to the rehab specialist via two fire officers returning to Stephenson from the Sleeper Lakes Fire. The Rehab Specialist is Randy Bruntjens, himself a former fire officer.
Thank you Leslie for this wildlife update. I've had several readers, including my own son, wondering how the animals were holding out during this wildfire.
See more information, printed above, with photo of owl.
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Update: 5:30 p.m. Aug. 21
I heard, on a local television news report, that high winds took another 300 acres yesterday.
8 structures and 17 residents were evacuated, with 4 others leaving voluntarily, due to heavy smoke.
A C-215 aircraft, from Minnesota, arrived Monday night, which helped ground crews keep the fire from jumping more of the containment lines.
We are praying for rain, it looks like we could get some tonight, but unless we get hours of soaking steady rain, it probably will only put a small dent in putting out the fire, burning in the ground.
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Update: 7 a.m. Aug. 21
CR 407 is closed again today, from M-123 to Pine Stump Junction, due to the fire. Unsure how long this will be closed, be sure to contact local authorities, if you need to travel in that area, be sure to call ahead!
In some areas, electric may be turned off, temporally.
--------------------------------
Update: 11 p.m. Aug. 20
News tonight isn't good, with the high winds, today.
Electric was shut down for a while, so air operations & firefighters could fight this fire safely.
CR 407 is closed from M-123 to Pine Stump Junction, due to the fire on the western half of the area. Unsure how long this will be closed, be sure to contact local authorities, if you need to travel in that area, be sure to call ahead!
The Sleeper Lake Fire spread to unburned vegetation. An uncontained portion of the fire in a NW direction toward Pine Stump Junction. I believe the fire stayed within the fire perimeter in that area, but it forced appx. 25 residents to leave their home. Evacuated between Dawson Creek and Halfway Lake area.
Ada Takac said "It's very possible that with it burning underground, this fire could burn until winter".

Current resources on this fire include numerous dozers, water units, engines, hand crews from various states, marsh mosters and appx. 254 personnel.

Fire Fighers continue to control and mop up the Diverted Flight Fire, that was spotted yesterday in Hulbert in Chippewa Co. Fire is est. at 14.9 acres.

RED CROSS needs snacks for the firefighters lunch! Items like peanuts, candy bars, sandwich crackers (the kind with peanut butter or cheese in the middle), granola bars. They also need fruits, such as: bananas, apples, oranges, cherries, grapes, dried fruits, tomatoes, baby carrots (small ind. packs). Items high in potassium is appreciated! Potassium works with sodium to maintain the body's water balance.
Individual Single Serving packages would be nice, if you cannot purchase items like this, they could use zip lock baggies, so the volunteers can package them up for the firefighters.
They, also, could use volunteers, if you would like to help or donated items, please call the number below!
Drop off donated items at the Luce Co. Rec. Center, located across from the IGA in Newberry. Call: 906-293-3729 FMI.
---------------------
Update: Aug. 20
The fire is at 67% containment and smoke continues to lay low, especially in the mornings on CR407, which may be closed, again, today. It seems to be a day to day update, as to visibility conditions. CR 420 remains closed, also. Please, if you need to travel CR407 be aware of closed signs and stop to ask an officer, or authorized personnel, or call ahead to the local DNR for updates and ask what the traveling conditions are, before moving on!

It was a productive day, yesterday, with crews continuing to lay hose and irrigation pipe, along with continuing to mop-up on more areas.
An irrigation specialist is here, to help, also!
A plane doing reconnaissance on the Sleeper Lake Fire, noticed flames near Hulbert, around 11 a.m. yesterday. Crews from this fire (Sleeper Lake Fire) did an initial attack and were successful! The fire burned appx. 15 acres, before getting contained. No word on any structure damaged.

Today at noon, the DNR will be doing another Flying Infrared Flight, to look for hot spots, then ground crews know right where to work.

Remember!
A STATE WIDE BURN BAN (Michigan), signed by the governor, is in effect!!
This will remain this way until conditions change significantly!
Signs are posted, be aware of what they say!
Further information about the impacts of the burning ban can be answered by contacting the nearest DNR Operations Service Center or state park.
Contact numbers can be found on the DNR's Web Site at:
www.michigandnr.com/parksandtrails

I've never seen it this dry outside! Our grass, in the back yard, is usually beautiful and green, now it's nothing but dry, dead grass!
-------------------------------
Update: Noon, Aug. 19
U.P. Fire burns hole in state department's budget.
Follow this link to read more:  
http://www.wlns.com/Global/story.asp?S=6951962&nav=0RbQ
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Update: 9:30 p.m. Aug. 18
There are 256 people working on the fire right now (unsure how many are local). The fire is at 67% containment.
The Boys and Girls Club, of Bay Mills, cooked a whitefish dinner tonight, for the firefighters and everyone involved with this fire, it was enjoyed by all.

I spoke with Ada Takacs (DNR), about the Black Hawks leaving today, she said, "They were great to have around. If we need them back they can get here in 2-3 hours. They also left a ground crew and fueling truck here, in the event they need to return", she added, "doubtful". Which is good news!
Wind speeds were down and humidity was up, enabling firefighters to continue mop up on some portions of the fire and expand the control lines in other areas. The water show continued with hand crews laying more hose along various portions of the fire. Pipeline and hose lays are being used to get water to difficult access portions of the fire.
This morning an inversion settled over the vicinity of the fire, leading to the temporary closure of CR407. An inversion is also expected tomorrow morning, so please drive with caution, keep your lights on and consider delaying your travel in this area until after 10:30 a.m. when the inversion typically lifts.
-------------------------------------------------
Update: 9:15 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 18
407 from Pine Stump to Dawson Creek will be CLOSED today,
due to heavy smoke in the area. Zero visibility!
-----------------------------------
Update: 8:30 a.m. Aug. 18
Today, the Black Hawks will be leaving the area, they will fly in formation over the town of Newberry around noon - 1:00, to say good-bye to the community. This should be exciting!
The National Guard has been a huge help, on fighting this wildfire.
The men and women, flying them, are greatly appreciated!

This morning the Pine Stump Junction is experiencing a lot of smoke in the area. It's expected to lift by mid-morning. In some areas, visibility is low. Please drive carefully!
Yesterday wind gusts got up to appx. 30 mph, today wind conditions are very good, so they'll be able to concentrate on problem areas.
This morning the size is still at: 18,020, with containment at 65%.
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Update: 5 p.m. Aug. 17
BURNING BAN!
An outdoor burning ban went into affect today, for Michigan. The only countries not covered in the ban are in the Southern most part of the state. It includes all of Upper Michigan.
The ban is the first of its kind in Michigan since 1998.
It doesn't include charcoal or propane grills or liquid fueled camping stoves. It does include most other types of outdoor burning.

This morning the fire was at 62% contained and was still at 18,680 acres. Since then it's up to 65% contained and at 18,020 acres.
M-123 speed limit has been moved up to 45 mph.
Evacuations remain in effect in the Chesbrough Lake and Widgeon Road areas.
They will be using the night vision goggles, again, tonight by air, this is to get a better view on the hot spots.
A firefighter got a minor burn, when a hot spark flew up, between her eyes, onto her forehead. She had on all her protective equipment, but it flew up and got her. She was treated on site and is ok.

Wildlife Update! Good news!!
An owl, mama bear and three cubs were seen in or near the fire area.

The fire is burning appx. 12 inches in the ground, burning tree roots. Some trees look good, but are not safe. With the roots burned off, it leaves the tree unstable in high winds and could fall. Firefighters proceed carefully!
------------------------------------
Update: 8: 30 a.m. Aug. 16
The fire is 55% contained, this percent moved up slow because of all the hot spots, of fire, they have.
This morning there are 206 personnel, not all are going out at one time, they take turns, so no ones gets tired out.
Four Black Hawks continue to dump water, by air.
Night Vision Goggles were used last night, there are still some very, very hot spots in the Chesbrough Lake area and evacuation continues there!
--------------------------------
Update: 10 p.m. Aug. 15
A crew comprised of twenty, is here from Connecticut, to help fight the Sleeper Lake Fire, North of Newberry. Nine Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection Employees, Eight Local Firefighters, along with two members from Vermont and one from Rhode Island. The crew will be here for approx. two weeks.
Ada Takacs, Department Analyst Michigan DNR, told me, "Fire fighters from Michigan also often times go out west to fight fires. We are all trained in specialized positions within the Incident Command System. No matter where the person in that position comes from, they are able to work easily with the team assigned to the Incident because we've all had the same training." She continued, "I have been on 5 different western fire assignments over the years. I've heard many fire fighters and Incident Management Team members talk about how their experience in other states have helped them immensely on this fire."
-------------------------------
Update: 7 p.m. Aug. 15
The weather forecast calls for clouds moving in this afternoon, winds from the south w/chance of showers. This weather should allow firefighters to continue to construct control line, hold existing lines w/ the assistance of National Guard helicopters, and mop up the perimeter of the fire where some organic fuels are readily burning up to 12 inches into the ground. They will concentrate on hot spots that were identified during the infrared flight yesterday, in order to get these areas secure before tomorrow when winds and temperatures will increased. Yesterday brought more spot fires over the line, but firefighters were able to contain these fires quickly and continue to monitor them.

Many orders for irrigation line, hose, large volume pumps and 6x6 ATV's with water have been requested by Division Supervisors on the fire. These requests clearly indicate a shift in suppression techniques from heavy equipment to hand crews and smaller vehicles that can maneuver through the difficult terrain much easier.
Evacuations remain in effect in the Chesbrough Lake and Widgeon Road areas.
------------------------------
Update: 9 a.m. Aug. 15
The Size of the fire perimeter is at 18,680 this morning.
There are islands of unburned fuel, the fire could smoke for days and days and depending on weather conditions, some of these hot spots could flame up again.
A couple days ago the cost was at appx. 1.9 million dollars, of what this fire has cost so far, it has probably gone up a lot since then.
But with the help, from air, and all the wonderful volunteer help, it probably kept the cost down a little.
So far there has only been one structure lost and one person getting hurt. That person, I believe, twisted his knee and was able to drive himself back to town, and taken to the hospital. He was off for a couple days and I believe he was back working on the fire. There were a couple other cases of firefighters being dehydrated. Which is understandable, the conditions out there have been something else in this hot, dry weather, we're having!
Those firefighters are doing a great job, they are all so dedicated.
We appreciate everything, and everyone, for what is being done!
-----------------------------------
Update: 4:00 p.m. Aug. 14
Here in Engadine, the winds are blowing out of the WNW right now. I am only 15 minutes South of Newberry, so I'm assuming it's windy there, also!

Todays news: There continues to be additional fires, reported, within the Upper Peninsula.
Firefighters are attenpting to mop 50 feet into the interior of the fireline, in some locations. A couple spot fires occurred over the fireline, but resources within each division were able to contain these small fires with the assistance of water drops by the National Guard Helicopter. These spots were handled by resources on site, but could have escaped if they were unable to access them or if weather/wind conditions were worse. Difficult terrain will require the use of hand crews for future fireline construction, black-lining and mop up.
The report, just received, said CR 414 was open yesterday, and CR 420 remains closed. Again, as I mentioned before, if you need to travel in or near the fire areas, please consult with an authorized person first, this is for your own safety and the safety of firefighters!
Reduced speeds are in effect in the fire area and turn your headlights on, while traveling!
---------------------------------------------------------
Update: 10:00 p.m. Aug. 13 Official Report
CR 414 will open tomorrow morning. Remember reduce speed limits are in effect on roads near Sleeper Lake Road. Drive carefully with lights turned on! Evacuations remain in effect in the Chesbrough Lake area.
Please respect the evacuation requests!
The cost of the fire, to date, is estimated at 1.9 million.
The estimated control date is several weeks away, if current weather conditions persist and they continue to have access to the resources they need, especially National Guard air operations. Control does not mean the fire is out, but that it could be safely turned over to local resources.

The National Guard continues to support the suppression effort with water drops from 4 Black Hawks and 1 Chinook Helicopter. The heli-torch from the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources returned home today after completion of burnout operations yesterday and reconnaissance of the area determined aerial ignitions were complete. Additional burnout operations were accomplised with hand crews today. These burnout operations were conducted to strengthen containment lines south of McMahon Lake.
----------------------------------------------
If you're traveling or live in or near this area, please check with the DNR or other authorized personnel, in the area, to know the most up-to-date information on road openings and evacuation information,
before you enter any of the fire areas!
Remember to be safe and do as requested by authorized personnel !!
----------------------------------------------------
Update: Mid Afternoon Report, Aug. 13
The Incident Commander of the fire transitioned from Rich Ahnen to Randy McKenzie, today. 96 acre area south of McMahon Lake was backburned last night to provide additional black line and improve their ablity to defend that line from increased winds. This control line is very important to protecting the community of Pine Stump Junction. The Fire Behavior Analyst, assigned to this fire, has advised them the fire activity should be lower today. This will allow all divisions around fire to continue to hold the established lines and protect structures.
Size: Estimated at 18,483 acres. 50% contained.
Weather: Upper 70's. Winds expected from NW with gusts to 20 mph.
---------------------------------------------
I had a question, as to where to find a map of the fire area.
I just did a search on google.com and typed in Sleeper Lake Fire.
This is the link I found...
http://www.midnr.com/publications/pdfs/ForestsLandWater/sleeper_lake_fire_map.pdf
I'm not sure if this is a the most current map, but hopefully it will help the reader who ask me if I knew of a map, of the fire area.
------------------------------------
Update: 11:08 p.m. Aug. 12
Good evening everyone!
News from the 8 p.m. DNR Update
I appreciate Lori Underwood, Land Use Specialist, DNR-FMFMD, for emailing me the update. 
I'll just touch on some of the highlights.
The update began like this:
The word for this evening is CONTAINMENT, which means the fire is encircled by a fireline, but not under control.
Firefighters worked hard today holding the constructed firelines and battling strong winds that continued to push the fire toward their containment lines. The helicopters assisted by dropping water to cool the most active portions of the fire. The gusty winds did cause a few, small slopovers at the SW area of the fire. These fires were quickly contained by engines.
----------------------------------
Update: 12 noon, Aug. 12
I've been asked, a few questions about the wildlife, from emails and children. So I asked Ada Takacs if she had any information as to this. She said they did get a report of someone seeing moose outside of the fireline, up by McMahon Lake. She also had another report seeing a beaver, swimming in a lake. Ada said "I was up by Williams Trail late yesterday, where the only structure burned. I can tell you that there were a lot of squirrels in the area and birds were chirping all over."
She added, "A lot of nutrients are released into the soil and during the fire. Once green up occurs, it really makes for a healthier habitat."
This was a little bit of news, as to the wildlife.
------------------------------------
Update: 11:30 a.m. Aug. 12
I just got a report from Ada Takac, I've spoke about Ada, throughout my posting here, she is with the Mi.DNR, Forest, Mineral & Fire Mgt. Division.
I'll touch on some of the highlights of the report.
No measurable rain fell and conditions continue to get drier.
High winds, low humidity and warm temps. are expecting increased fire behavior as a result.
Firefighters will also be monitoring existing line, preparing structures in the Chebrough Lake area and mopping up where appropriate.
The director of the Michigan DNR arrived in Newberry last night and spoke to firefighters at this morning briefing. James Ekdahl, Deputy Director of the Michigan DNR is expected to arrive this evening, Lynne Boyd, Chief of Forest, Mineral and Fire Management Division, is also expected.
Reports of unauthorized people entering the closed areas without proper personal protective equipment or an escort have been received. Firefighters request that everyone stay out of all evacuated and closed areas around the fire. Your cooperation will help ensure your own safety as well as the safety of the firefighters!
Estimated 18,387 acres, 50% contained.
Sunday weather calls for temps. to reach 77, winds expected to begin from the west at 8-12 mph, becoming NW at 15 to 20 mph in the afternoon, with wind gusts up to 30 mph.
---------------------------------
Update: Sunday, Aug. 12
It is 10:20 a.m., we didn't get the rain we were hoping for, at least not here in Engadine, I think around 5 a.m. we got a little, but not enough to get the ground wet. It was windy last night & this morning the wind continues. When I last checked the wind was at 13 mph, but it seems a little more then that.
The news yesterday, was good, as in having the fire 50% contained. But with the wind, I'm a little concerned.
So let's all pray, the containment continues to get better!

News will probably be coming in a little slower, being this is Sunday and also as the fire becomes under control.
In the mean time, please continue to check here for updates, I would love to hear from more of you. I have had some wonderful emails, I just wanted to say it's been my pleasure to keep this page updated.
This fire has been scary and if I were out of town, I would want some kind of dependable connection here.
Send emails to: julie@mymidwestweb.com
Also, please sign my guest book, found on the home page.
Thank you!
--------------------------------
 IMPORTANT UPDATE!
As of 6:07 p.m., Saturday, Aug. 11
I just heard from Ada Takacs,
Department Analyst Michigan DNR Forest, Mineral & Fire Mgt. Div.
To immediately announce the following...
CR 407 will be opened tonight, Saturday, August 11 at approx. 9 p.m.
There will be a strictly enforced 45 mph speed limit.
CR 414 to 410 will remain closed and manned barricades will be in place.
DNR request that residents returning to their homes remove ribbons from their 911 signs and leave a porch or outside light on at all times when staying in the area.
These precautions will greatly assist emergency personnel in the event of another evacuation.
Those with cabins and camps in the area will be allowed to return to check on properties, but are strongly advised to not remain overnight until further notice.
The fire is still active in this area and travelers on CR 407 will encounter large equipment, especially between the hours of 8 a.m. and 9 p.m.
Please remember the 45 mph speed limit and drive with your lights on.
M-123 remains at a 25 mph speed limit and all evacuations in the Chesbrough Lake and Widgeon Creek areas are still in effect.
------------------------------------
Update: 12:30 p.m. Aug. 11
The National Guard was at the Luce County Fairgrounds today, from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m. today. The public came out to see the Blackhawk helicopters and to speak with a pilot, mechanics and ground support.
This was very exciting for young children to adults. People were able to view right inside the helicopters!
I spoke with Michael Mabie, CW2, US Army National Guard, from Holland, Mi, said he got here yesterday, to work, but was here on Tuesday to visit. Michael has been in the National Guard for 10 years.
Michael Mabie, CW2, US Army National Guard said, "I've only been here a day and have already seen & heard a lot of support, not only for here, but abroad!"
As of today, aircraft will go back & forth, as needed, to Grand Ledge, Mi., to Abrams Municipal Airport, since training has ended at Camp Grayling.
Michael Mabie, CW2, was very nice and very knowledgeable of his duties! He said, "On this fire, they are scheduled to work 2 hours at a time, then a different crew will go up," he continued, "they are not always with the same crew of personnel going up, they rotate." He said his crew is scheduled to leave soon, to get back in the air and fight this fire.
I spoke briefly with Sergeant Hill, of Grand Ledge, he has been with the National Guard since 2001. He came here with the first aircraft, to help battle this fire, and hasn't left.
Sharron & Don Watkins, of Jonesville, Michigan, has a cabin on CR 505, Halfway Lake area, they came here to praise everyone working on this fire. They didn't hear about the Fire, until Friday (Aug. 3) and got here at 2 a.m.the next morning, to get items out of their cabin, things that could never be replaced, like a journal, his wife has kept for 18 years.
When I spoke with Mr. & Mrs. Watkins, they were in good spirits, Mr. Watkins said the informational meeting, that was held earlier this week, was very informational, he said "The DNR didn't pull any punches!" They were very impressed with the DNR and the meeting.
What wonderful people they are, I was happy to meet them and very glad their property, here, was saved!

As I was getting ready to leave, I met up with Lori Underwood and Ada Takacs, Public Information Officers. Ada is from the Roscommon Operations Service Center, she's been with the DNR for 20 years.
She was very happy to tell me the fire was 50% contained and we spoke briefly about the fire & other things (much which can be found on the DNR website!)
I am still amazed by the kindness, everyone working on this fire, has given! I don't mean to sound so surprised, but they all have been putting in long, exhausting hours and they still take time to shake your hand, with a sincere smile on thier face.
---------------------------------------
10 a.m. Update, Sleeper Lake Fire, Media Information
Sat., Aug. 11, 2007
Firefighters continue to work on dozer lines around the perimeter of the fire today. 27 miles of dozer line has been constructed around the fire and mop-up operations have begun on portions of the fire. The fire is now 18,574 acres and is considered 50% contained. The burnout operations yesterday evening were very successful. Firefighters were able to burn additional acres of difficult to reach marshland adjacent to McMahon Lake. Plans continue to be made in the event additional burnout operations are needed. These operations enhanced existing dozer lines and increased the amount of black between the fireline and thier control line.
The Chinook helicopter, capable of holding 2000 gallons of water, is now also assisting with the water drops. These water drops have been instrumental in the suppression of the Sleeper Lake fire.
CR 407 remains closed from Halfway Lake to Pine Stump Junction, and evacuation orders remain in effect. M-123 is open and construction has been completed; however, the 25 mph speed limit is still in effect.
The forecast for Saturday calls for temperatures in the low to mid 80's, 50% humidity and 12 to 15 mph winds from the south. Clouds will increase in the afternoon and evening and we'll have a chance of showers this evening and tomorrow morning.
Thank you Ada, for the informational sheet, it helps keep my reporting accurate! Ada Takacs is a DNR Public Information Officer
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Update: Friday, Aug. 10, 11:30 p.m.
While outside, (In Engadine), looking for the meteor shower, we could smell the smoke from the wild fire again. It's a clear, calm evening, but you could see a light fog of smoke, in the air. We must be getting a slight northern breeze.
As to the size of the fire, I haven not heard if it has spread. Just that it's 25% contained. I'm sure we'll know more tomorrow, after the morning briefing at the DNR field office.
-------------------------------
Update 5 p.m., Aug. 10
Governor Granholm's personal visit to Newberry was a welcome sight!
The Governor was taken, by a Black Hawk Helicopter, over the entire fire area. She said, "I feel much better today, then I would have a couple days ago!" (In regards to the wildfire, here in Luce Co.)
She said Unbealivable Efforts are being done.
Governor Granholm said she is willing to call other Governor's if the need is there.

Other Updates: It's a "GO" for the Heli-torch to be conducted!
The dozer line has been put around the fire. The line has been put within a 1/4 mile outside where the actual fire is.
Black Hawks are still dropping water. There are 10 pilots, two of which are females, who are taking turns flying the helicopters, so no one gets tired out.
A National Guard Chinook Helicopter, which can carry 2,000 gallons of water will arrive today. The Black Hawks carry appx. 700 gallons of water, so that's like 3 Black Hawks to 1 Chinook (in regards to water carring capability).
The DNR reports they had their 1st injury. A DNR officer, from Crystal Falls, injured his knee yesterday and was transported off the fire line.

The support from the community and beyond, has been wonderful. Everyone has been so supportive, the Red Cross would like to tell everyone, they have enough supplies at this time. They are running out of room. But if you would still like to make a cash donation to the Red Cross, to help with efforts like these, they would be greatful!
------------------------------------
Update at 10 a.m., Aug. 10 
The firefighters sure appreciated the communtiy coming out and lining the streets, last night, cheering them on, as some of them came back into town, after fighting the fire throughout the day. It really gave them a boost!
Water is still being dumped, from the Michigan National Guard Black Hawks Helicopters, Bambi Buckets.
Rain may be in the forcast for Saturday night. So let's all pray it will happen, and rain enough to help battle this wildfire!
Winds gusts may pick up, at times, this afternoon to 20 mph, with temp. in the low 80's.
The heli-torch crew with the Ontario Ministry of national Resources, out of St.Frances, Ontario are here to assist firefighters, this crew are experts in ignition. The torching will be done if weather conditions cooperate and the dozer lines are all the way around the fire.

Volunteers are needed today, Fri. Aug. 10 at 1:00 p.m.
at the American Legion, next to police post, in Newberry
to help make sandwiches. They had a wonderful turn out, earlier this week, they said it didn't take long to put 300 sandwiches together, with all the wonderful volunteers!
-------------------------------------
Update at 7:55 a.m. Aug. 10
Roger from the Mi. DNR, said they had a good day yesterday, because of the weather. A new dozer line went in, that will help with efforts today.
The Canadian Crew is here to help with the North part of the fire.
They were told, today, they may expect a visit from the Governor.
-----------------------------------
Update at 8 p.m., Aug. 9
New news is the containment is now up to 25% !!
It had been staying at only 10% for a few days, so this is good news!

I spoke with Ada Takacs, DNR Public Information Officer, earlier today, she went over pretty much the same information, I mentioned earlier today, Structure Protection Units are being prepared, the Helitorch is here from Canada to help with a major backburn NW by Pine Stump Junction area, tomorrow. This backburn depends on tomorrow (Friday's) wind conditions.
Ada explained "This major burnout is done by air, a Gelled Fuel will be dropped, by flying just above the tree lines."

On a lighter note, Ada, added: "It's Smokey Bears 63rd Birthday Today."

Wouldn't it be nice if Smokey could just blow out this fire, like candles on a cake!

I found info. about Gelled Fuel (helitorch) on this website:
http://www.fs.fed.us/fire/fireuse/rxfire/rx_index.html
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Ann Wilson, DNR Comm. Rep.'s 12 Noon update Aug. 9:
Ann needs to leave, for now, to head to the Escanaba County Fair for a project called "Pocket Park". She appreciates everyone in this community for all the help, donations and open mike of radio and media coverage. She expressed there are many people here, helping. She said "If things heat up over here, the fair will take 2nd place and I'll be back".
They did have one health issue, from a preexisting condition, with an employee, who was brought by ambulance to the hospital, yesterday afternoon. He is in the hospital and doing better.
Ann said, "It was a real wake up call, to pay attention to one another and health", she added, "It really shook up staff pretty bad, but he's in the hospital and doing ok."
Ann said, "There are Six Incident Commanders in the state of Michigan and Five of them are here!"
DNR Incident Commander is concerned about todays forcast!

Ann added:, "An Incident Meteorologist from the National Weather Services in North Carolina, has been contacted, the person they will send, will work with DNR to plan courses ahead of time, in hopes to get a better hand on fighting this fire".
8-10-07 update about who the Incident Meteorologist is:
John Jacobson, who is retired from the airforce & has been predicting weather since 1970, is here now, I believe he is from the Jackson Kentucky Meteorologist Office, so we welcome him and his knowledge!
This is the first time the DNR has had an "I-MET" on the scene of a fire in Michigan.
(I-MET=Incident Meteorologist).

The Province of Ontario Canada is sending specialists to help with this fire and they may be bringing in aircrafts, but that isn't confirmed yet.
They are asking other states to help out with the hard work of "Ground Pounding", a job that is beginning to wear out firefighters here.

Thank you congressman Bart Stupak, for being in Newberry this morning to talk with people here, much appreciation goes to you for showing such concern for this community and with this terrible wildfire. 
I was happy to listen to your broadcast on 1450 WNBY - Oldies 93 radio, it was very informational.
Thank you again for offering to help Newberry, to seek federal resources for the state of Michigan, should more equipment or personnel be need, to help battle this fire!
Click below to read news from the Congressman:
http://www.house.gov/apps/list/speech/mi01_stupak/newberryfire0807207.html
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Update at 12 noon Aug. 9
Governor Granholm declared a state of emergency for Luce Co. on Wed.
Click below to read more:
http://www.michigan.gov/gov/0,1607,7-168--173694--,00.html

Winds from East at appx. 7 mph, 71 degrees, 68 % humidity
Reopened part of CR 407 from 4 mile corner to CR 505 (to just north of Halfway Lake). CR 505 to Pine Stump remains closed.
Donations Needed of:
Individual Serving Containers of Orange Juice (juice boxes)
These are greatly needed for the firefighters!
Something they can stick in their pocket or grab quickly.
Donations are greatly appreciated, with anything that is not perishable. Bring to 4 mile corner, or the community center, located across from the IGA.
If you want to help, I heard, yesterday, out of town people are calling the local grocery stores in Newberry, to make cash donation, placed on a credit card, which has been much appreciated!
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Update Aug. 9, 8:50 a.m.
Fire is smoldering, but with the winds out of the SE, it could make the fire kick up again. A fireline will try to be extablished near McMan Lake.
Not much news to report this early, crews came in tired this morning, who were on the midnight shift. Hopefully they can get a bite to eat, shower and a few hours sleep, before heading out again.
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Update at 10:00 p.m. Aug. 8
Ann Wilson, DNR Communication Officer said it was a progressive day!
The little bit of rain, last night, gained a little window of opportunity to fight the fire. Ann said it was a "Progressive Day!" But the fire is still only 10% contained, they would like to give a better percentage out, but things could change tomorrow, with warm, sunny, south winds expected.
"Another hot day, to worry about."
The fire was appx. 1 1/2 mile away from the Wolf Inn and 3/4 mile away from Dawson Creek, east side of 407.
Four crews who left around 7 p.m. will be out in the field with trucks, tonight. They have crews working around the clock.

CR 407 is closed, but if visitors are here to see the bears at Oswald's Bear Ranch, just up the road, from M-123 on CR 407, you will be aloud to travel only to the bear ranch and back. People MUST stop and talk to the officer, located on the road at the corner of CR 407 and M-123. People who have houses up that way or people who need to go up that way, may be able to travel on 407, only to where the officer permits you to go! But it's greatly stressed that you MUST STOP and talk to the officer before moving on!

I talked earlier in my postings about the laundry service, being done by community members. Here is a phone number to call if you want to find out how you can help. Ask for: Dan Moore at 293-3293, he will let you know how you can help with laundry and other supplies.

I contacted Steve Haupt, HR Manager of the Newberry Louisiana Pacific Corporation, and asked if they had a covered tent, for the Red Cross to use, at the Four Mile Corner site, he said yes! Steve and Joe Pigion, an employee of the L.P. Corporation, immediately loaded it up and met us at Four Mile Corner. 
Between Bob Freeman, also employed with the L.P. Corporation, Steve, Joe and a few volunteers at the site, they were able to get the large, canvas, tent set up in no time!
All volunteers were very greatful and within minutes of setting it up, it was being used!
--------------------------------
Update 8:15 p.m. Aug. 8
I finely got to meet a few people today!
I have to say how nice & caring the people were today. You know how some people can be grumpy or on the edge of their chair, after putting in long hours, well, I can't say that about anyone I met today!
These people have put in long, tiring, stressful hours for several days and not one was grumpy! I got goosebumps after talking with each of them and it's bringing tears to my eyes as I'm writing this, because I'm just so proud of what they all are doing.
I talked to many people helping with the Red Cross, located at Four Mile Corner and at the Newberry school. The school is set up for those needing a place to stay, if they cannot get into their property. At the time I was there, around 4 p.m. today, no one has had to stay over night. They are prepared, with over 100 cots and sleeping pads, which is set up in they gym of the school.
The store, located on Four Mile Corner, was filled. I was going to go in to buy something to drink, but I noticed a closed sign on the door. When I asked if they were open, I was told that the store had been closed for some time now and every thing in the store was donations. Now it looks like a fully stocked store! Isn't that amazing! The kindness that our community and many, many other communities have done is amazing!

One, out of town, donation came in all the way from Elk Rapids! We seen the pickup, pulling a trailer full of supplies, coming into town, when I talked to Ada Takacs, Public Information Officer from the DNR Feild Office, located on M-123, Newberry, she said it came from the Elk Rapids Fire Department, there were 25 cases of pop, 20 cases of gaterade and 7 cases of water.
Informational Officer, Ada, also mentioned the Red Cross called McDonald's, here in town, from there McDonald's contacted the Coke-Cola Distributor, out of Oxford, Michigan and they are sending Individual Juices.
Ada is a wonderful person, she made me feel very welcome, as we talked! I truely appreciate her kindness! She explained how they conducted their briefing, each morning (or more as needed) they talk to everyone involved as to safety issues and if there are any special groups are in the area, such as bicyclers. 
They also cover issues, like poisonous plants or other things in the area, which would be a concern for the firefighters.
Ada Takacs, DNR Public Information Officer, welcomed me to view the area, at the field office, where the staff is working steady with computers, paper work, answering phones and much more. There is so much more to fighting wildfires, many of us don't realize what all needs to be done behind the scenes!
I've always had a great respect for our DNR and my respect for them has become stronger!
I had only heard Ann Wilson, Communication Rep. for the DNR, on her hourly information radio broadcasts, I was able to meet up with her today, she is amazing! She came up to me with a smile on her face, we talked briefly, then she wanted to show me the wonderful homemade blueberry bunt cake, somone donated.
She and everyone is so greatful for the wonderful homemade goodies, fresh garden items & donations. 
I took a few pictures, then I was on my way.
I only stopped at the DNR Field Office to ask one question, I didn't want to be in the way, but they welcomed me, so kindly!
Thank you so much Ada and Ann!
Ada, if you're reading this...thank you for the nice visit today and
God Bless you & everyone else!

Sadly, the old cabin, that was the only loss, so far, was a historical family cabin. Ada Takacs, DNR Public Informational Office, told me there were papers dating back for many years, in the cabin, that had writing on them from all the visitors, who came to the cabin, through the years, along with many other memories, the cabin held, that was loss.

We lost our home to a fire in 1987 and I understand what the feeling is like, losing memories.
You can't get back the items, but thank God loss of life didn't happen!

We smell smoke, today, from the fire, at our home in Engadine, the smell isn't like a camp fire, it reminds me of the smell, when we lost our home. Very Sad!

This update got a little long, it's just hard to put some things in to short sentences!
-----------------------------------
Update at 12 noon, Aug. 8
The Rainbow Lodge has people coming in there to camp, they are open and it's beautiful there right now.
Newberry area seems to be getting filled up, so check with the Chamber of Commerce for phone numbers to places to stay.
Paradise said they have places to stay available.
Call the local Chamber of Commerce in either area for updates.
Click here, on my site, I have info. on local chambers info. & numbers:
http://www.mymidwestweb.com/page25.html

Things are holding tight right now, they're at a wait and see mode.
Winds out of the North, appx. 9 mph.
Muskallonge Lake State Park is fine, no need for campers to leave.
If anything changes or happens, people will be notified!
Power was restored to some areas, especally between the two towers.
Fire was stopped two miles from CR 407, last night.
They are looking into moving the water base, which is set up past 4 mile corner, off of M-123, because of the traffic, this has not happened yet, thoe.
Heavy equipment and trucks are traveling up and down M-123, so
people are highly asked to please NOT travel North of 4 mile corner on M-123 if it is not necessary! The road is open, which makes it helpful for those who need to get to and from their jobs at the Falls, Paradise or up that way.
But if you're just out for a ride to check things out, please don't travel down that way. The road is open, at a speed limit of 25 mph, authorities are out there and will stop and ticket people not doing the posted speed limit!
--------------------------------------
Update 11:15 a.m. Aug. 8
The Red Cross, helping with efforts, could use a covered shelter tent or simular. Some of the volunteers are out in the sun and this would be much appreciated, if anyone has something they could use!
Also: Hard candies are appreciated, to help the firefighters keep their mouth and throat moist!
Donations can be brought to Four Mile Corner or the Comm. Center across from the IGA in Newberry.

All crews are out working on fire, this morning, the little bit of rain, they got last night, helped everyones spirts. So everyone went out, this morning, in good spirits!
The vacant deer camp that was lost was a very old log cabin, build around the 1920's, the new cottage and sauna, that was built near it was saved!
The DNR did a backburn last night from the road they built, to the fire and that helped.
This is the 3rd largest fire in the State of Michigan.
Seney Fire, in 1976 consumed 75,000 acres, the Mac Lake Fire, in lower penn., in 1980, which consumed 20,000 with 44 homes loss and one life.
The fire that is happening now, Sleeper Lake fire, N. of Newberry, is at 19,628 consumed acres, with just one very old cabin loss and no injuries.

People from the community are helping in many ways, one that is just wonderful and much appreciated, is by washing clothes of the firefighters, who many have been here for days.

The smoke smell is now here in Engadine. With the slight north winds.
Smoke cannot be seen here, just a slight smell.
---------------------------------------------------
Official News Update! 11 a.m. Aug. 8
I just spoke directly to Major Dawn Dancer, official spokes person for the Michigan National Guard, to get an update as to the number of personal sent from Camp Grayling.
She said 45 personal were sent to assist the Sleeper Lake Fire, North of Newberry.
I asked, Major Dawn Dancer, how many helicopters have been sent, she said, "There were five sent to Newberry and one ready to go, from Camp Grayling, if needed."
4 Black Hawks and 1 Chinook were sent from Camp Grayling, they have another Chinook, located at Camp Grayling, that is ready to go, if needed.
The Chinook, that is here at Newberry, is helping with refueling only, if the other Chinook is sent from Camp Grayling, it will be used to help with the fire fighting efforts by carrying water.
Thank you so much to Major Dawn Dancer, Spokes Person with the Michigan National Guard, for talking with me this morning.
------------------------------------
Update at 8:45 a.m. Aug. 8
Electric has been restored on 407 as of around midnight last night.
Evacuation still remains in effect for Half Way Lake to Pine Stump.
Fire has consumed 19,269 acres.
Putting it at the 2nd largest fire in the U.P, the Seney Fire was 1st at consuming 75,000 acres, this fire won't get any where near that, official, Ann Wilson said.
They only got about 1/3 of an inch of rain. The high humidity, this morning was well needed.
People who have to travel on M-123 past the Four Mile Corner need to be aware the speed limit is only 25 mph!!
Heavy equipment is traveling down that road and a watering station is set up down in that area, so people need to know IF they HAVE to travel down that road, they can only drive 25 mph at this time!
People are interested, but should keep away from the area, so the firefighters can do thier job, without the need to worry about on-lookers.

One, older, unoccupied structure, in the Murfey Creek area was loss.
Crews will be going to that area to confirm more information on this.
Very Important Red Cross Training tonight at the Luce Co. Community Center, located across from the IGA in Newberry. Training is only for an hour, from 7 to 8 p.m. After this information and training meeting, people will be certified to work and help the Red Cross.
They really need help right now, volunteers are getting tired and they really would appreciate all the help they can get, so they are really hoping people will show up tonight, it's just for an hour!
----------------------------------
Update at 11 p.m. Aug. 7
Some of this was on TV 9&10 News last night and I spoke with Major Dawn Dancer, an Official Spokes Person for the Michigan National Guard.
TV 9&10 has had great coverage too!
http://www.9and10news.com/News/
U.S.N.G Deployed from Camp Grayling
3,000 men and women were in the middle of their training at Camp Grayling, when they got a call from the Gov.'s office.
Several, from the National Guard unit, were sent to help fight the wildfire, North of Newberry and will be here as long as they are needed.
The helicopters, dip huge buckets into area lakes and dump on the fire, the bucket below the helicopter is called a "Bambi Bucket" which can hold 700 gallons of water.
The Chinook Helicopters can carry 2,000 gallons of water.
Helicopters can hover over the fire and accuretely drop water or retardant.

I'm unsure as to how many from Camp Grayling was or will be sent, I talked to Mary from the Luce Co. Community Resource and Recreation Center, at 9:00 a.m. Aug. 8, she said they did not send all 3,000, she wasn't sure how many were sent, maybe around 300, but she didn't know for sure.
Mary said they (Red Cross) are prepared for that number, thoe!
Alot is going on and there is so much wonderful help
Mary, also said, the community has been just wonderful, the community and many businesses have been making and bringing them (Red Cross) many sandwiches, keeping them completely supplied with those.
----------------------------------
Update at 9:30 p.m Aug. 7
I'm back now, just in time to report that we got some well needed rain, about 20 minutes ago, in Engadine, it came down hard, but didn't last long, about 15 minutes.
Sadly the rain has stopped and the sky is clear, now.
I talked to someone in Newberry and they said there is a few small water puddles. Word was, the fire area received only about 15 minutes of rain earlier, but that has not been confirmed yet.
Earlier the fire was only 1/2 mile from CR 407 and Pine Stump Junction.
 Air craft have been dumping water on areas with structures, hopefully that is going well.
Pray for "good news" to report tomorrow!
---------------------------------
Update 4:17 p.m. Aug. 7
2nd EVACUATION NOTICE
State Forest Campground, North of Pine Stump
Including: Old Headquarters, Perch Lake, Two Hearted, High Bridge and anywhere near is to leave now.
Authorities are there or in the area to inform people/campers!
Some structures are in danger, but no confirmed info. on them.
--------------------------------
Update 3:45 p.m. Aug. 7
Winds out of the S- SW at 10 MPH
More troops expected to come in from Camp Grayling
News is coming in a little slower, but the fire is growing, it's up to an appx. estimated of 17,000  !!!
I need to be somewhere else, for awhile, this is for those of you that have been keeping my webpage refreshed. 
There is a toll free phone number, listed above, they have a recorded message, as to the results of the fire, they try to up date it as they can, but remember getting the fire out and people safe comes first.
Please email me if you have questions and I'll try to get to them when I get back.
GOD BLESS all of you for praying and caring!
We sure have a wonderful bunch of people here and everywhere!
Watch here for updated later tonight, or tomorrow!
-----------------------------------
FYI
If you're in the listening area, tune into WNBY 1450 AM or Oldies 93 at 93.9 FM, the shut off of the electric did not effect this station.
Their AM station is broadcasting live minute by minute coverage.
In between updates, they are playing recorded messages, to keep everyone informed of the past and present happenings!
TV 6 out of Marquette has updates on their local news feeds, along with other area Television Stations.
I was at a business earlier today, they couldn't get in a radio station, very well. I told them to turn off the fluorescent light, and it came in. Just thought I would let you know, in case you're having problems tuning in radio stations, you might want to try this.??!! Certain fluorescent lights can mess up some cordless phones, too. A friend of mine had one, it was funny, I always knew when she was in her kitchen (where she had the only fluorescent light in the house).
--------------------------------
Update 2:30 p.m. Aug. 7
CR 407 is closed. I'm not sure but I believe this road is also called H-37.
Road Closed 4 mile corner to 8 mile to Half Way Lake
Electric is off from 8 mile corner all they way to Pine Stump and poss. as far as Deer Park.
If people living in this area need to leave or need to get into that area, are being told to flag down an officer and they will help you get to and from that area. They ask you to not flag down the firefighters, they are quickly moving to get to the fire. Unless it's an extreme emergency!
The fire is right on the edge of Dawson Creek.
Fire is moving quickly in the Pine Stump area.
Winds is expected to shift in a South direction.
--------------------------------
2:00 p.m. Update Aug. 7
Cloverland has turned off electric in the effected area.
Which seems to be along 407 and 420.
The fire is right now up to Pine Stump Junction.
Firefighters are doing everything they can to keep it from jumping 407.
As of right now, it hasn't jumped 407 yet.
Perch Lake, Pretty Lake and surrounding campgrounds are being asked to leave.
So far appx. two dozen people have been evacuated, it's not a real populated area up there. 
Situation has been upgraded, don't know how it could be upgraded, it's very bad now, but other fire departments are coming in as far as St.Ignace. This is for many reasons, from to help fight the fire, to releaving some of the other departments, that need to rest.
Wind direction is straight out of South at appx. 5 mph
There will be a meeting at the Youth Center, Community Center, located right across from the IGA grocery store in Newberry.
This will begin at 7 p.m., tomorrow (Wed. Aug. 8) 
I believe this meeting will be with the Red Cross and covering what the Red Cross is doing and how you can help. (I'll try to get more information on this meeting).
-----------------------------------
Update: 12:40 p.m. Aug. 7
CR 414 and Muskallonge Lake is not in danger. But if you were planning to leave with in the next couple days, you may want to pack up sooner, to be able to travel out on a paved road.
MAIN concern is about the traffic on the road right now, 407 will be closed at 1:00 p.m. today. After that heavy equipment will be going down that road.
People traveling need to stay CALM and travel careful and slow. Do not go over the speed limit, no need for that!
It is stressed to just stay calm!
For those still in the evacuation area, they need to leave, for their safety and for the protection of the firefighters.
The toll free phone number, listed above, has a wonderful, detailed, recorded message, for those with concerns, property, friends, family, etc. in the wildfire area.
-----------------------------------
Update: 11:45 a.m. Aug. 7
An Evacuation Shelter will be set up at the Newberry School.
Cots, Blankets, Food Service
Open at Appx. 2:30 p.m. today.
---------------------------------
EVACUATION NOTICE
Aug. 7, 11:10 a.m
Very Critical Situation Going on Right Now!
Pine Stump Junction South to Half Way Lake
CR 407 will CLOSE in appx. Two hours at 1:00 p.m.
This will be from 4 mile corner all the way to Pine Stump.
Camps further North is not in any danger, but Campers are given two hours to get out, if you need a paved road, 407 is the only paved road and will be closed at 1:00 p.m. today! There are gravel roads to get out, but if you need a paved road, now is the time to leave!
--------------------------------------
UPDATE AGAIN: Aug. 7, about M-123 opening!
It won't happen until NOON today, now.
Updates are coming in by the minute, so please bear with me!
Thank you!
------------------------------------
Update10:00 a.m. Aug. 7
GOOD NEWS, M-123 is opening at 10:30 a.m. this morning.
People are asked to stay away from fire area and to stay on the main road, not to go off on any of the roads leading off from M123.
Try to use just the exsiting roads!
DO NOT go back into areas off from M-123, signs are posted and they ask while traveling, keep your headlights on.
15,428 acres lost so far!
Wisc. DNR, not here yet, but is on the way.
-----------------------------------------------
Update: 8:50 a.m. Aug. 7
Smoke is gone out of our area, this morning, here in Engadine. At midnight last night, it looked like fog out side, but the smell was terrible!
Today there is more clouds then we've had, today temp. mid to upper 70's, slight chance of rain, SE winds, 10 up to poss. 20 mph.
It was a cool morning, swirling winds.
Concerns about it going all the way through marsh, into the hardwoods.
People in the 407 and 420 area will see more activity today.
Focus on McMan Lake, East of 407 and 420, up along Dalson Creek.
Focus on Pine Stump and Wolf Inn area, also.
Home owner from Pike Lake area said he could breathe a little easier this morning.
Winds expected NW tonight.
Over 200 people working on this fire, this is not including many of the local community firefighters, appx. 20 DNR out of Wisc., National Guard, Red Cross, State Police and many more!
Red Cross needs today, veggies and fruit, like baby carrots, bananas, cherries etc., smaller finger foods, something easy to grab, go and eat.
Sandwich bags are also needed.
Community has been great, Mary from the community center said "Our Community has Heart".
Aircrafts still here, helping, with two more coming in today.
There are other water carriers, like ATV's.
They are hoping to get an aircraft in that can carry up to 2000 gallons!

I had someone, from out of the area, ask how could they help, first I said pray for rain, without lighting! Then, as we talked, we were wondering if groceries could be bought through a credit card, by her calling the store and telling them what she wanted done. She thought she could put like twenty dollars on her card and they could go from there. I don't know if that would work, but it's worth the call to Mac's Market or the IGA in Newberry.
Again, I don't know if this is possible, but she was going to check into it.
I know I've had other concerns from people, out of the area, wishing they could help. If you want to help, send me an email at:
julie@mymidwestweb.com and I will try to get you in touch with someone to contact!

Lutheran Church in Engadine doing a dinner tonight, Aug. 7, for firefighters.
If you call WNBY at 293-3221, they can give you more info. on this.
Also: Newberry Corr. Facility, bringing lunch to firefighters tomorrow,
Newberry Eagles Club, bringing dinner out tomorrow.
--------------------------------
Update: 9:00 p.m. Aug. 6
I am located one mile North of Engadine, the smoke, from the Sleeper Lake fire, is getting strong, here. My husband was trying to clean some brush from around our back yard and had to come in. (We are not in any danger here, just cleaning our own yard.)
We are keeping the windows closed, every time we open the door, a strong odor, of smoke, comes in.
It was said earlier that, the down wind area may be quite large.
Winds are slight, but are out of the North.
For those with respiratory conditions, you should keep your windows and doors closed.
If you experience any problems breathing, call or go to the nearest hospital, to be checked out!!
If you have or know of an eldery person, who lives alone, please check on them! Even if the smoke or fire isn't effecting them at this time, they still may be a little uneasy and unsure of what is going on.
24 hour, rotating fire patrols will be working throughout the night.
-------------------------------------------
Update: 6:30 p.m. Aug. 6
180 people working on fire.
A crew from Crystal Falls, just rolled in to help.
People should rest easy tonight, with more info., on this fire, in the morning.
Tomorrow's forecast calls for partly sunny in the morning, changing to possible showers in the afternoon, winds out of SE by late morning, possible changing to West.
Firefighters are working to clear areas around 407, adding extra trucks out tonight.
So far, no buildings damage and no one has been hurt.
Pray for Rain!
-----------------------------------------
Update: 4:30 p.m., Aug. 6
Here is the toll free number to call for those who have family, friends, cabins or such, in the fire area: 1-877-261-3473
You may get a message, please be patient, as they are receiving several calls.
---------------------------------
Update: 2:45 p.m. Aug. 6
Governor has released two more helicopters, bringing the total to five.
They should arrive by tonight or first thing in the morning.
No news is good news, but it seems to be getting contained.
News seems to look good for tonights briefing.
Wind and humidity plays a big factor of this wildfire!
Someone who has a cabin, appx. 7 1/2 miles North on 407, is saying he seen the helicopters drop water. He said he has a wind mill and has never seen the wind change so drastically in such a short period of time. It gives him an idea of what the firefighters going up against. He's not at his cabin, at this time, but, he thinks, the fire was only like a mile or so from his cabin.
----------------------------------
Update: Aug. 6, 1:00 p.m.
As of now: 14,300 acres burned!
So far no one has been hurt and no loss of buildings!
Wind is out of the North, pushing smoke into the town of Newberry.
DNR has cut a new road, into the burning area, to fight this huge fire!
The Army National Guard will be here with their aircraft, with the large buckets, available throughout the duration of this fire. Some good news is that these aircrafts can get water out of smaller lakes, ponds, they don't have to travel all the way to Lake Superior for water.
For those who are concerned with family or have a cabin here, call: 906-293-3293 and they'll do their best to inform you. At this time, they are trying to set up a toll free number, as they are receiving several calls on this number. I'll post it just as soon as I get the number.
------------------------------------------
Updates: 11:25 a.m. Aug. 6, 2007
Due to the North/Northwest winds, a lot of smoke is expected for the town of Newberry, from 4 mile corner and east, due to the northern winds that are expected.
NO NEED for people in town to be worried!
People are urged to NOT go up to that area!
The fire has NOT crossed M-123.
 --------------------------------------------
Aug. 6, appx. 10:30 a.m.
Here is some information from the meeting:
I am listening to the live broadcast, on WNBY 1450 AM, in progress, at the public meeting at the Wolf Inn.
I am trying to keep up with as much information as possible.
Below is a little of what I am hearing so far, live, from a speaker at this meeting.
Please remember this is in my writing, from what I am understanding.
I highly want to make this clear and urge concerned people, that my web information is for your information reading only.
Concerns should be called to the approperate authorities for the most up-to-date information, please don't call just to ask questions to 911, keep all phone lines open to authorities, on this fire, unless you are having an emergency yourself.
Dean Oswald asked about his area with the Bear Ranch,
they were unaware and they will look into getting
protection in that area, to protect the bears, who cannot be moved.
Pine Stump is ok at this time, there were a little bit of confusion,
but the people from the air reported it wasn't as close as they thought. This may change by tomorrow, thoe.
-----------------------------------------
Update: 10:00 a.m., Aug. 6, 2007
The meeting at the Wolf Inn will begin shortly, so far there are appx.
150 people there, which includes people from the area and authorities.
Tables are getting filled up and more people are coming in.
If you would like to donate something, to help feed the firefighters
and workers please call Mary, helping the Red Cross, at: 906-450-5271. Please use this number if you have food to
donate or question on what kind of food and items may be needed.
People are concerned, the DNR tried to explain that this is not a normal Michigan fire. Weather and drought plays a big factor and can cause things that they can't control. They are trying to reach both radio stations as quickly and accurately as possible. They apologize for any confusion, but with this type of fire things are changing and they are trying to keep people informed as best as possible.
DNR speaker is saying if you have any dry/dead trees, brush etc. around your home, try to remove it. A small but serious chuckle could be heard, as the speaker said: "Houses with wood siding not a really good thing".
Deer Park residents are alright as of today.
Structure Protection Crews are out and will keep residents, in all of the fire area, informed!

If you have food donations for the Red Cross, please bring to community center, located across from the IGA or if the smoke does not bother you, you can bring items to the 4 mile corner, where the Red Cross is set up, at this time.

Also, people are being asked to stay away from the air port, they realize people are interested, but for their protection and to keep things under control, they ask for people to just keep away from the airport and the road leading into the air port!
------------------------------------------
7:45 a.m. UPDATE Aug. 6, 2007
Michigan DNR Communications Officer, Ann Wilson said:
"Operations Bigger then it has been!!"
They have two tanker planes, in Kincheloe at the air port there, waiting to be called out.
They're docked there because of their size and cannot land in Newberry.
They also have helicopter and three large helicopters that can carry 700 gallons per trip, from the Michigan National Guard out of Grayling!
The Water Bomber, from Minnesota is not being used at this time, they are hoping it can be used,
but there are fire conditions in another area, that it may be needed for.
The fire is crawling through the Marsh area.
No injuries and No structures have been lost at this time!
They have been dumping water on properties and maintaining the area around the properties!
Marsh Rats, which are machines that are lighter and can stay high on the marsh ground, and not sink in like dozers do.
People who live or campers, but mainly people who have places in off from CR 407, between CR 455 - 8 mile corner and Pine Stump Junction are asked to go to the Wolf Inn for a 10 a.m. briefing, this morning, Aug. 6!
Lots of equipment out there, DNR is asking everyone to be careful and keep your distance, when traveling in the area.
M-123 still remains closed at 4 mile corner, from Newberry up to Tahquamenon Falls. *The Tahquamenon Falls is still open, but people will need to come in from the Paradise area!
Volunteers are needed at 1 p.m today, Aug. 6 at the
American Legion, located next to the police post, in Newberry.
Volunteers are needed to help make 300 sandwiches for the firefighters!
If you are able to help, please show up there to see what you can do!
--------------------------------------------
Update at: 10:00 p.m. Aug. 5, 2007
Michigan DNR Communications Officer, Ann Wilson, said the size of the Sleeper Lake Fire has been downgraded to 12,000 acres.
Pine Stump Junction continues to be under evacuation.
M-123 will be closed throughout the evening.
The DNR will pull back portions of their crew tonight, so they can rest and be ready for tomorrows activity.
Helicopters from the Michigan Air National Guard & a Water Bomber, from Minnesota, are on standby, to help contain this wildfire.
A 7 a.m. meeting, Monday, Aug. 6, will be going on for the operation plans of this wildfire.
As more information comes in, I will post it here.

Thank you for visiting this information & photo page, about the Sleeper Lake Wildfire!
Please book mark the home page & visit often for up-to-date local news & information!
Click link below!
TO RETURN TO MY MIDWEST WEB HOME PAGE
www.mymidwestweb.com

The smoke smell is now here in Engadine. With the slight north winds.
Smoke cannot be seen here, just a slight smell.
---------------------------------------------------
Official News Update! 11 a.m. Aug. 8
I just spoke directly to Major Dawn Dancer, official spokes person for the Michigan National Guard, to get an update as to the number of personal sent from Camp Grayling.
She said 45 personal were sent to assist the Sleeper Lake Fire, North of Newberry.
I asked, Major Dawn Dancer, how many helicopters have been sent, she said, "There were five sent to Newberry and one ready to go, from Camp Grayling, if needed."
4 Black Hawks and 1 Chinook were sent from Camp Grayling, they have another Chinook, located at Camp Grayling, that is ready to go, if needed.
The Chinook, that is here at Newberry, is helping with refueling only, if the other Chinook is sent from Camp Grayling, it will be used to help with the fire fighting efforts by carrying water.
Thank you so much to Major Dawn Dancer, Spokes Person with the Michigan National Guard, for talking with me this morning.
------------------------------------
Update at 8:45 a.m. Aug. 8
Electric has been restored on 407 as of around midnight last night.
Evacuation still remains in effect for Half Way Lake to Pine Stump.
Fire has consumed 19,269 acres.
Putting it at the 2nd largest fire in the U.P, the Seney Fire was 1st at consuming 75,000 acres, this fire won't get any where near that, official, Ann Wilson said.
They only got about 1/3 of an inch of rain. The high humidity, this morning was well needed.
People who have to travel on M-123 past the Four Mile Corner need to be aware the speed limit is only 25 mph!!
Heavy equipment is traveling down that road and a watering station is set up down in that area, so people need to know IF they HAVE to travel down that road, they can only drive 25 mph at this time!
People are interested, but should keep away from the area, so the firefighters can do thier job, without the need to worry about on-lookers.

One, older, unoccupied structure, in the Murfey Creek area was loss.
Crews will be going to that area to confirm more information on this.
Very Important Red Cross Training tonight at the Luce Co. Community Center, located across from the IGA in Newberry. Training is only for an hour, from 7 to 8 p.m. After this information and training meeting, people will be certified to work and help the Red Cross.
They really need help right now, volunteers are getting tired and they really would appreciate all the help they can get, so they are really hoping people will show up tonight, it's just for an hour!
----------------------------------
Update at 11 p.m. Aug. 7
Some of this was on TV 9&10 News last night and I spoke with Major Dawn Dancer, an Official Spokes Person for the Michigan National Guard.
TV 9&10 has had great coverage too!
http://www.9and10news.com/News/
U.S.N.G Deployed from Camp Grayling
3,000 men and women were in the middle of their training at Camp Grayling, when they got a call from the Gov.'s office.
Several, from the National Guard unit, were sent to help fight the wildfire, North of Newberry and will be here as long as they are needed.
The helicopters, dip huge buckets into area lakes and dump on the fire, the bucket below the helicopter is called a "Bambi Bucket" which can hold 700 gallons of water.
The Chinook Helicopters can carry 2,000 gallons of water.
Helicopters can hover over the fire and accuretely drop water or retardant.

I'm unsure as to how many from Camp Grayling was or will be sent, I talked to Mary from the Luce Co. Community Resource and Recreation Center, at 9:00 a.m. Aug. 8, she said they did not send all 3,000, she wasn't sure how many were sent, maybe around 300, but she didn't know for sure.
Mary said they (Red Cross) are prepared for that number, thoe!
Alot is going on and there is so much wonderful help
Mary, also said, the community has been just wonderful, the community and many businesses have been making and bringing them (Red Cross) many sandwiches, keeping them completely supplied with those.
----------------------------------
Update at 9:30 p.m Aug. 7
I'm back now, just in time to report that we got some well needed rain, about 20 minutes ago, in Engadine, it came down hard, but didn't last long, about 15 minutes.
Sadly the rain has stopped and the sky is clear, now.
I talked to someone in Newberry and they said there is a few small water puddles. Word was, the fire area received only about 15 minutes of rain earlier, but that has not been confirmed yet.
Earlier the fire was only 1/2 mile from CR 407 and Pine Stump Junction.
 Air craft have been dumping water on areas with structures, hopefully that is going well.
Pray for "good news" to report tomorrow!
---------------------------------
Update 4:17 p.m. Aug. 7
2nd EVACUATION NOTICE
State Forest Campground, North of Pine Stump
Including: Old Headquarters, Perch Lake, Two Hearted, High Bridge and anywhere near is to leave now.
Authorities are there or in the area to inform people/campers!
Some structures are in danger, but no confirmed info. on them.
--------------------------------
Update 3:45 p.m. Aug. 7
Winds out of the S- SW at 10 MPH
More troops expected to come in from Camp Grayling
News is coming in a little slower, but the fire is growing, it's up to an appx. estimated of 17,000  !!!
I need to be somewhere else, for awhile, this is for those of you that have been keeping my webpage refreshed. 
There is a toll free phone number, listed above, they have a recorded message, as to the results of the fire, they try to up date it as they can, but remember getting the fire out and people safe comes first.
Please email me if you have questions and I'll try to get to them when I get back.
GOD BLESS all of you for praying and caring!
We sure have a wonderful bunch of people here and everywhere!
Watch here for updated later tonight, or tomorrow!
-----------------------------------
FYI
If you're in the listening area, tune into WNBY 1450 AM or Oldies 93 at 93.9 FM, the shut off of the electric did not effect this station.
Their AM station is broadcasting live minute by minute coverage.
In between updates, they are playing recorded messages, to keep everyone informed of the past and present happenings!
TV 6 out of Marquette has updates on their local news feeds, along with other area Television Stations.
I was at a business earlier today, they couldn't get in a radio station, very well. I told them to turn off the fluorescent light, and it came in. Just thought I would let you know, in case you're having problems tuning in radio stations, you might want to try this.??!! Certain fluorescent lights can mess up some cordless phones, too. A friend of mine had one, it was funny, I always knew when she was in her kitchen (where she had the only fluorescent light in the house).
--------------------------------
Update 2:30 p.m. Aug. 7
CR 407 is closed. I'm not sure but I believe this road is also called H-37.
Road Closed 4 mile corner to 8 mile to Half Way Lake
Electric is off from 8 mile corner all they way to Pine Stump and poss. as far as Deer Park.
If people living in this area need to leave or need to get into that area, are being told to flag down an officer and they will help you get to and from that area. They ask you to not flag down the firefighters, they are quickly moving to get to the fire. Unless it's an extreme emergency!
The fire is right on the edge of Dawson Creek.
Fire is moving quickly in the Pine Stump area.
Winds is expected to shift in a South direction.
--------------------------------
2:00 p.m. Update Aug. 7
Cloverland has turned off electric in the effected area.
Which seems to be along 407 and 420.
The fire is right now up to Pine Stump Junction.
Firefighters are doing everything they can to keep it from jumping 407.
As of right now, it hasn't jumped 407 yet.
Perch Lake, Pretty Lake and surrounding campgrounds are being asked to leave.
So far appx. two dozen people have been evacuated, it's not a real populated area up there. 
Situation has been upgraded, don't know how it could be upgraded, it's very bad now, but other fire departments are coming in as far as St.Ignace. This is for many reasons, from to help fight the fire, to releaving some of the other departments, that need to rest.
Wind direction is straight out of South at appx. 5 mph
There will be a meeting at the Youth Center, Community Center, located right across from the IGA grocery store in Newberry.
This will begin at 7 p.m., tomorrow (Wed. Aug. 8) 
I believe this meeting will be with the Red Cross and covering what the Red Cross is doing and how you can help. (I'll try to get more information on this meeting).
-----------------------------------
Update: 12:40 p.m. Aug. 7
CR 414 and Muskallonge Lake is not in danger. But if you were planning to leave with in the next couple days, you may want to pack up sooner, to be able to travel out on a paved road.
MAIN concern is about the traffic on the road right now, 407 will be closed at 1:00 p.m. today. After that heavy equipment will be going down that road.
People traveling need to stay CALM and travel careful and slow. Do not go over the speed limit, no need for that!
It is stressed to just stay calm!
For those still in the evacuation area, they need to leave, for their safety and for the protection of the firefighters.
The toll free phone number, listed above, has a wonderful, detailed, recorded message, for those with concerns, property, friends, family, etc. in the wildfire area.
-----------------------------------
Update: 11:45 a.m. Aug. 7
An Evacuation Shelter will be set up at the Newberry School.
Cots, Blankets, Food Service
Open at Appx. 2:30 p.m. today.
---------------------------------
EVACUATION NOTICE
Aug. 7, 11:10 a.m
Very Critical Situation Going on Right Now!
Pine Stump Junction South to Half Way Lake
CR 407 will CLOSE in appx. Two hours at 1:00 p.m.
This will be from 4 mile corner all the way to Pine Stump.
Camps further North is not in any danger, but Campers are given two hours to get out, if you need a paved road, 407 is the only paved road and will be closed at 1:00 p.m. today! There are gravel roads to get out, but if you need a paved road, now is the time to leave!
--------------------------------------
UPDATE AGAIN: Aug. 7, about M-123 opening!
It won't happen until NOON today, now.
Updates are coming in by the minute, so please bear with me!
Thank you!
------------------------------------
Update10:00 a.m. Aug. 7
GOOD NEWS, M-123 is opening at 10:30 a.m. this morning.
People are asked to stay away from fire area and to stay on the main road, not to go off on any of the roads leading off from M123.
Try to use just the exsiting roads!
DO NOT go back into areas off from M-123, signs are posted and they ask while traveling, keep your headlights on.
15,428 acres lost so far!
Wisc. DNR, not here yet, but is on the way.
-----------------------------------------------
Update: 8:50 a.m. Aug. 7
Smoke is gone out of our area, this morning, here in Engadine. At midnight last night, it looked like fog out side, but the smell was terrible!
Today there is more clouds then we've had, today temp. mid to upper 70's, slight chance of rain, SE winds, 10 up to poss. 20 mph.
It was a cool morning, swirling winds.
Concerns about it going all the way through marsh, into the hardwoods.
People in the 407 and 420 area will see more activity today.
Focus on McMan Lake, East of 407 and 420, up along Dalson Creek.
Focus on Pine Stump and Wolf Inn area, also.
Home owner from Pike Lake area said he could breathe a little easier this morning.
Winds expected NW tonight.
Over 200 people working on this fire, this is not including many of the local community firefighters, appx. 20 DNR out of Wisc., National Guard, Red Cross, State Police and many more!
Red Cross needs today, veggies and fruit, like baby carrots, bananas, cherries etc., smaller finger foods, something easy to grab, go and eat.
Sandwich bags are also needed.
Community has been great, Mary from the community center said "Our Community has Heart".
Aircrafts still here, helping, with two more coming in today.
There are other water carriers, like ATV's.
They are hoping to get an aircraft in that can carry up to 2000 gallons!

I had someone, from out of the area, ask how could they help, first I said pray for rain, without lighting! Then, as we talked, we were wondering if groceries could be bought through a credit card, by her calling the store and telling them what she wanted done. She thought she could put like twenty dollars on her card and they could go from there. I don't know if that would work, but it's worth the call to Mac's Market or the IGA in Newberry.
Again, I don't know if this is possible, but she was going to check into it.
I know I've had other concerns from people, out of the area, wishing they could help. If you want to help, send me an email at:
julie@mymidwestweb.com and I will try to get you in touch with someone to contact!

Lutheran Church in Engadine doing a dinner tonight, Aug. 7, for firefighters.
If you call WNBY at 293-3221, they can give you more info. on this.
Also: Newberry Corr. Facility, bringing lunch to firefighters tomorrow,
Newberry Eagles Club, bringing dinner out tomorrow.
--------------------------------
Update: 9:00 p.m. Aug. 6
I am located one mile North of Engadine, the smoke, from the Sleeper Lake fire, is getting strong, here. My husband was trying to clean some brush from around our back yard and had to come in. (We are not in any danger here, just cleaning our own yard.)
We are keeping the windows closed, every time we open the door, a strong odor, of smoke, comes in.
It was said earlier that, the down wind area may be quite large.
Winds are slight, but are out of the North.
For those with respiratory conditions, you should keep your windows and doors closed.
If you experience any problems breathing, call or go to the nearest hospital, to be checked out!!
If you have or know of an eldery person, who lives alone, please check on them! Even if the smoke or fire isn't effecting them at this time, they still may be a little uneasy and unsure of what is going on.
24 hour, rotating fire patrols will be working throughout the night.
-------------------------------------------
Update: 6:30 p.m. Aug. 6
180 people working on fire.
A crew from Crystal Falls, just rolled in to help.
People should rest easy tonight, with more info., on this fire, in the morning.
Tomorrow's forecast calls for partly sunny in the morning, changing to possible showers in the afternoon, winds out of SE by late morning, possible changing to West.
Firefighters are working to clear areas around 407, adding extra trucks out tonight.
So far, no buildings damage and no one has been hurt.
Pray for Rain!
-----------------------------------------
Update: 4:30 p.m., Aug. 6
Here is the toll free number to call for those who have family, friends, cabins or such, in the fire area: 1-877-261-3473
You may get a message, please be patient, as they are receiving several calls.
---------------------------------
Update: 2:45 p.m. Aug. 6
Governor has released two more helicopters, bringing the total to five.
They should arrive by tonight or first thing in the morning.
No news is good news, but it seems to be getting contained.
News seems to look good for tonights briefing.
Wind and humidity plays a big factor of this wildfire!
Someone who has a cabin, appx. 7 1/2 miles North on 407, is saying he seen the helicopters drop water. He said he has a wind mill and has never seen the wind change so drastically in such a short period of time. It gives him an idea of what the firefighters going up against. He's not at his cabin, at this time, but, he thinks, the fire was only like a mile or so from his cabin.
----------------------------------
Update: Aug. 6, 1:00 p.m.
As of now: 14,300 acres burned!
So far no one has been hurt and no loss of buildings!
Wind is out of the North, pushing smoke into the town of Newberry.
DNR has cut a new road, into the burning area, to fight this huge fire!
The Army National Guard will be here with their aircraft, with the large buckets, available throughout the duration of this fire. Some good news is that these aircrafts can get water out of smaller lakes, ponds, they don't have to travel all the way to Lake Superior for water.
For those who are concerned with family or have a cabin here, call: 906-293-3293 and they'll do their best to inform you. At this time, they are trying to set up a toll free number, as they are receiving several calls on this number. I'll post it just as soon as I get the number.
------------------------------------------
Updates: 11:25 a.m. Aug. 6, 2007
Due to the North/Northwest winds, a lot of smoke is expected for the town of Newberry, from 4 mile corner and east, due to the northern winds that are expected.
NO NEED for people in town to be worried!
People are urged to NOT go up to that area!
The fire has NOT crossed M-123.
 --------------------------------------------
Aug. 6, appx. 10:30 a.m.
Here is some information from the meeting:
I am listening to the live broadcast, on WNBY 1450 AM, in progress, at the public meeting at the Wolf Inn.
I am trying to keep up with as much information as possible.
Below is a little of what I am hearing so far, live, from a speaker at this meeting.
Please remember this is in my writing, from what I am understanding.
I highly want to make this clear and urge concerned people, that my web information is for your information reading only.
Concerns should be called to the approperate authorities for the most up-to-date information, please don't call just to ask questions to 911, keep all phone lines open to authorities, on this fire, unless you are having an emergency yourself.
Dean Oswald asked about his area with the Bear Ranch,
they were unaware and they will look into getting
protection in that area, to protect the bears, who cannot be moved.
Pine Stump is ok at this time, there were a little bit of confusion,
but the people from the air reported it wasn't as close as they thought. This may change by tomorrow, thoe.
-----------------------------------------
Update: 10:00 a.m., Aug. 6, 2007
The meeting at the Wolf Inn will begin shortly, so far there are appx.
150 people there, which includes people from the area and authorities.
Tables are getting filled up and more people are coming in.
If you would like to donate something, to help feed the firefighters
and workers please call Mary, helping the Red Cross, at: 906-450-5271. Please use this number if you have food to
donate or question on what kind of food and items may be needed.
People are concerned, the DNR tried to explain that this is not a normal Michigan fire. Weather and drought plays a big factor and can cause things that they can't control. They are trying to reach both radio stations as quickly and accurately as possible. They apologize for any confusion, but with this type of fire things are changing and they are trying to keep people informed as best as possible.
DNR speaker is saying if you have any dry/dead trees, brush etc. around your home, try to remove it. A small but serious chuckle could be heard, as the speaker said: "Houses with wood siding not a really good thing".
Deer Park residents are alright as of today.
Structure Protection Crews are out and will keep residents, in all of the fire area, informed!

If you have food donations for the Red Cross, please bring to community center, located across from the IGA or if the smoke does not bother you, you can bring items to the 4 mile corner, where the Red Cross is set up, at this time.

Also, people are being asked to stay away from the air port, they realize people are interested, but for their protection and to keep things under control, they ask for people to just keep away from the airport and the road leading into the air port!
------------------------------------------
7:45 a.m. UPDATE Aug. 6, 2007
Michigan DNR Communications Officer, Ann Wilson said:
"Operations Bigger then it has been!!"
They have two tanker planes, in Kincheloe at the air port there, waiting to be called out.
They're docked there because of their size and cannot land in Newberry.
They also have helicopter and three large helicopters that can carry 700 gallons per trip, from the Michigan National Guard out of Grayling!
The Water Bomber, from Minnesota is not being used at this time, they are hoping it can be used,
but there are fire conditions in another area, that it may be needed for.
The fire is crawling through the Marsh area.
No injuries and No structures have been lost at this time!
They have been dumping water on properties and maintaining the area around the properties!
Marsh Rats, which are machines that are lighter and can stay high on the marsh ground, and not sink in like dozers do.
People who live or campers, but mainly people who have places in off from CR 407, between CR 455 - 8 mile corner and Pine Stump Junction are asked to go to the Wolf Inn for a 10 a.m. briefing, this morning, Aug. 6!
Lots of equipment out there, DNR is asking everyone to be careful and keep your distance, when traveling in the area.
M-123 still remains closed at 4 mile corner, from Newberry up to Tahquamenon Falls. *The Tahquamenon Falls is still open, but people will need to come in from the Paradise area!
Volunteers are needed at 1 p.m today, Aug. 6 at the
American Legion, located next to the police post, in Newberry.
Volunteers are needed to help make 300 sandwiches for the firefighters!
If you are able to help, please show up there to see what you can do!
--------------------------------------------
Update at: 10:00 p.m. Aug. 5, 2007
Michigan DNR Communications Officer, Ann Wilson, said the size of the Sleeper Lake Fire has been downgraded to 12,000 acres.
Pine Stump Junction continues to be under evacuation.
M-123 will be closed throughout the evening.
The DNR will pull back portions of their crew tonight, so they can rest and be ready for tomorrows activity.
Helicopters from the Michigan Air National Guard & a Water Bomber, from Minnesota, are on standby, to help contain this wildfire.
A 7 a.m. meeting, Monday, Aug. 6, will be going on for the operation plans of this wildfire.
As more information comes in, I will post it here.

Thank you for visiting this information & photo page, about the Sleeper Lake Wildfire!
Please book mark the home page & visit often for up-to-date local news & information!
Click link below!
TO RETURN TO MY MIDWEST WEB HOME PAGE
www.mymidwestweb.com

The smoke smell is now here in Engadine. With the slight north winds.
Smoke cannot be seen here, just a slight smell.
---------------------------------------------------
Official News Update! 11 a.m. Aug. 8
I just spoke directly to Major Dawn Dancer, official spokes person for the Michigan National Guard, to get an update as to the number of personal sent from Camp Grayling.
She said 45 personal were sent to assist the Sleeper Lake Fire, North of Newberry.
I asked, Major Dawn Dancer, how many helicopters have been sent, she said, "There were five sent to Newberry and one ready to go, from Camp Grayling, if needed."
4 Black Hawks and 1 Chinook were sent from Camp Grayling, they have another Chinook, located at Camp Grayling, that is ready to go, if needed.
The Chinook, that is here at Newberry, is helping with refueling only, if the other Chinook is sent from Camp Grayling, it will be used to help with the fire fighting efforts by carrying water.
Thank you so much to Major Dawn Dancer, Spokes Person with the Michigan National Guard, for talking with me this morning.
-----------------------------------
Update at 8:45 a.m. Aug. 8
Electric has been restored on 407 as of around midnight last night.
Evacuation still remains in effect for Half Way Lake to Pine Stump.
Fire has consumed 19,269 acres.
Putting it at the 2nd largest fire in the U.P, the Seney Fire was 1st at consuming 75,000 acres, this fire won't get any where near that, official, Ann Wilson said.
They only got about 1/3 of an inch of rain. The high humidity, this morning was well needed.
People who have to travel on M-123 past the Four Mile Corner need to be aware the speed limit is only 25 mph!!
Heavy equipment is traveling down that road and a watering station is set up down in that area, so people need to know IF they HAVE to travel down that road, they can only drive 25 mph at this time!
People are interested, but should keep away from the area, so the firefighters can do thier job, without the need to worry about on-lookers.

One, older, unoccupied structure, in the Murfey Creek area was loss.
Crews will be going to that area to confirm more information on this.
Very Important Red Cross Training tonight at the Luce Co. Community Center, located across from the IGA in Newberry. Training is only for an hour, from 7 to 8 p.m. After this information and training meeting, people will be certified to work and help the Red Cross.
They really need help right now, volunteers are getting tired and they really would appreciate all the help they can get, so they are really hoping people will show up tonight, it's just for an hour!
---------------------------------
Update at 11 p.m. Aug. 7
Some of this was on TV 9&10 News last night and I spoke with Major Dawn Dancer, an Official Spokes Person for the Michigan National Guard.
TV 9&10 has had great coverage too!
http://www.9and10news.com/News/
U.S.N.G Deployed from Camp Grayling
3,000 men and women were in the middle of their training at Camp Grayling, when they got a call from the Gov.'s office.
Several, from the National Guard unit, were sent to help fight the wildfire, North of Newberry and will be here as long as they are needed.
The helicopters, dip huge buckets into area lakes and dump on the fire, the bucket below the helicopter is called a "Bambi Bucket" which can hold 700 gallons of water.
The Chinook Helicopters can carry 2,000 gallons of water.
Helicopters can hover over the fire and accuretely drop water or retardant.

I'm unsure as to how many from Camp Grayling was or will be sent, I talked to Mary from the Luce Co. Community Resource and Recreation Center, at 9:00 a.m. Aug. 8, she said they did not send all 3,000, she wasn't sure how many were sent, maybe around 300, but she didn't know for sure.
Mary said they (Red Cross) are prepared for that number, thoe!
Alot is going on and there is so much wonderful help
Mary, also said, the community has been just wonderful, the community and many businesses have been making and bringing them (Red Cross) many sandwiches, keeping them completely supplied with those.
-----------------------------------
Update at 9:30 p.m Aug. 7
I'm back now, just in time to report that we got some well needed rain, about 20 minutes ago, in Engadine, it came down hard, but didn't last long, about 15 minutes.
Sadly the rain has stopped and the sky is clear, now.
I talked to someone in Newberry and they said there is a few small water puddles. Word was, the fire area received only about 15 minutes of rain earlier, but that has not been confirmed yet.
Earlier the fire was only 1/2 mile from CR 407 and Pine Stump Junction.
 Air craft have been dumping water on areas with structures, hopefully that is going well.
Pray for "good news" to report tomorrow!
--------------------------------
Update 4:17 p.m. Aug. 7
2nd EVACUATION NOTICE
State Forest Campground, North of Pine Stump
Including: Old Headquarters, Perch Lake, Two Hearted, High Bridge and anywhere near is to leave now.
Authorities are there or in the area to inform people/campers!
Some structures are in danger, but no confirmed info. on them.
--------------------------------
Update 3:45 p.m. Aug. 7
Winds out of the S- SW at 10 MPH
More troops expected to come in from Camp Grayling
News is coming in a little slower, but the fire is growing, it's up to an appx. estimated of 17,000  !!!
I need to be somewhere else, for awhile, this is for those of you that have been keeping my webpage refreshed. 
There is a toll free phone number, listed above, they have a recorded message, as to the results of the fire, they try to up date it as they can, but remember getting the fire out and people safe comes first.
Please email me if you have questions and I'll try to get to them when I get back.
GOD BLESS all of you for praying and caring!
We sure have a wonderful bunch of people here and everywhere!
Watch here for updated later tonight, or tomorrow!
--------------------------------------------------
FYI
If you're in the listening area, tune into WNBY 1450 AM or Oldies 93 at 93.9 FM, the shut off of the electric did not effect this station.
Their AM station is broadcasting live minute by minute coverage.
In between updates, they are playing recorded messages, to keep everyone informed of the past and present happenings!
TV 6 out of Marquette has updates on their local news feeds, along with other area Television Stations.
I was at a business earlier today, they couldn't get in a radio station, very well. I told them to turn off the fluorescent light, and it came in. Just thought I would let you know, in case you're having problems tuning in radio stations, you might want to try this.??!! Certain fluorescent lights can mess up some cordless phones, too. A friend of mine had one, it was funny, I always knew when she was in her kitchen (where she had the only fluorescent light in the house).
---------------------------------
Update 2:30 p.m. Aug. 7
CR 407 is closed. I'm not sure but I believe this road is also called H-37.
Road Closed 4 mile corner to 8 mile to Half Way Lake
Electric is off from 8 mile corner all they way to Pine Stump and poss. as far as Deer Park.
If people living in this area need to leave or need to get into that area, are being told to flag down an officer and they will help you get to and from that area. They ask you to not flag down the firefighters, they are quickly moving to get to the fire. Unless it's an extreme emergency!
The fire is right on the edge of Dawson Creek.
Fire is moving quickly in the Pine Stump area.
Winds is expected to shift in a South direction.
--------------------------------
2:00 p.m. Update Aug. 7
Cloverland has turned off electric in the effected area.
Which seems to be along 407 and 420.
The fire is right now up to Pine Stump Junction.
Firefighters are doing everything they can to keep it from jumping 407.
As of right now, it hasn't jumped 407 yet.
Perch Lake, Pretty Lake and surrounding campgrounds are being asked to leave.
So far appx. two dozen people have been evacuated, it's not a real populated area up there. 
Situation has been upgraded, don't know how it could be upgraded, it's very bad now, but other fire departments are coming in as far as St.Ignace. This is for many reasons, from to help fight the fire, to releaving some of the other departments, that need to rest.
Wind direction is straight out of South at appx. 5 mph
There will be a meeting at the Youth Center, Community Center, located right across from the IGA grocery store in Newberry.
This will begin at 7 p.m., tomorrow (Wed. Aug. 8) 
I believe this meeting will be with the Red Cross and covering what the Red Cross is doing and how you can help. (I'll try to get more information on this meeting).
-----------------------------------
Update: 12:40 p.m. Aug. 7
CR 414 and Muskallonge Lake is not in danger. But if you were planning to leave with in the next couple days, you may want to pack up sooner, to be able to travel out on a paved road.
MAIN concern is about the traffic on the road right now, 407 will be closed at 1:00 p.m. today. After that heavy equipment will be going down that road.
People traveling need to stay CALM and travel careful and slow. Do not go over the speed limit, no need for that!
It is stressed to just stay calm!
For those still in the evacuation area, they need to leave, for their safety and for the protection of the firefighters.
The toll free phone number, listed above, has a wonderful, detailed, recorded message, for those with concerns, property, friends, family, etc. in the wildfire area.
-----------------------------------
Update: 11:45 a.m. Aug. 7
An Evacuation Shelter will be set up at the Newberry School.
Cots, Blankets, Food Service
Open at Appx. 2:30 p.m. today.
---------------------------------------
EVACUATION NOTICE
Aug. 7, 11:10 a.m
Very Critical Situation Going on Right Now!
Pine Stump Junction South to Half Way Lake
CR 407 will CLOSE in appx. Two hours at 1:00 p.m.
This will be from 4 mile corner all the way to Pine Stump.
Camps further North is not in any danger, but Campers are given two hours to get out, if you need a paved road, 407 is the only paved road and will be closed at 1:00 p.m. today! There are gravel roads to get out, but if you need a paved road, now is the time to leave!
---------------------------------------------------
UPDATE AGAIN: Aug. 7, about M-123 opening!
It won't happen until NOON today, now.
Updates are coming in by the minute, so please bear with me!
Thank you!
------------------------------------
Update10:00 a.m. Aug. 7
GOOD NEWS, M-123 is opening at 10:30 a.m. this morning.
People are asked to stay away from fire area and to stay on the main road, not to go off on any of the roads leading off from M123.
Try to use just the exsiting roads!
DO NOT go back into areas off from M-123, signs are posted and they ask while traveling, keep your headlights on.
15,428 acres lost so far!
Wisc. DNR, not here yet, but is on the way.
-----------------------------------------
Update: 8:50 a.m. Aug. 7
Smoke is gone out of our area, this morning, here in Engadine. At midnight last night, it looked like fog out side, but the smell was terrible!
Today there is more clouds then we've had, today temp. mid to upper 70's, slight chance of rain, SE winds, 10 up to poss. 20 mph.
It was a cool morning, swirling winds.
Concerns about it going all the way through marsh, into the hardwoods.
People in the 407 and 420 area will see more activity today.
Focus on McMan Lake, East of 407 and 420, up along Dalson Creek.
Focus on Pine Stump and Wolf Inn area, also.
Home owner from Pike Lake area said he could breathe a little easier this morning.
Winds expected NW tonight.
Over 200 people working on this fire, this is not including many of the local community firefighters, appx. 20 DNR out of Wisc., National Guard, Red Cross, State Police and many more!
Red Cross needs today, veggies and fruit, like baby carrots, bananas, cherries etc., smaller finger foods, something easy to grab, go and eat.
Sandwich bags are also needed.
Community has been great, Mary from the community center said "Our Community has Heart".
Aircrafts still here, helping, with two more coming in today.
There are other water carriers, like ATV's.
They are hoping to get an aircraft in that can carry up to 2000 gallons!

I had someone, from out of the area, ask how could they help, first I said pray for rain, without lighting! Then, as we talked, we were wondering if groceries could be bought through a credit card, by her calling the store and telling them what she wanted done. She thought she could put like twenty dollars on her card and they could go from there. I don't know if that would work, but it's worth the call to Mac's Market or the IGA in Newberry.
Again, I don't know if this is possible, but she was going to check into it.
I know I've had other concerns from people, out of the area, wishing they could help. If you want to help, send me an email at:
julie@mymidwestweb.com and I will try to get you in touch with someone to contact!

Lutheran Church in Engadine doing a dinner tonight, Aug. 7, for firefighters.
If you call WNBY at 293-3221, they can give you more info. on this.
Also: Newberry Corr. Facility, bringing lunch to firefighters tomorrow,
Newberry Eagles Club, bringing dinner out tomorrow.
----------------------------------
Update: 9:00 p.m. Aug. 6
I am located one mile North of Engadine, the smoke, from the Sleeper Lake fire, is getting strong, here. My husband was trying to clean some brush from around our back yard and had to come in. (We are not in any danger here, just cleaning our own yard.)
We are keeping the windows closed, every time we open the door, a strong odor, of smoke, comes in.
It was said earlier that, the down wind area may be quite large.
Winds are slight, but are out of the North.
For those with respiratory conditions, you should keep your windows and doors closed.
If you experience any problems breathing, call or go to the nearest hospital, to be checked out!!
If you have or know of an eldery person, who lives alone, please check on them! Even if the smoke or fire isn't effecting them at this time, they still may be a little uneasy and unsure of what is going on.
24 hour, rotating fire patrols will be working throughout the night.
----------------------------------
Update: 6:30 p.m. Aug. 6
180 people working on fire.
A crew from Crystal Falls, just rolled in to help.
People should rest easy tonight, with more info., on this fire, in the morning.
Tomorrow's forecast calls for partly sunny in the morning, changing to possible showers in the afternoon, winds out of SE by late morning, possible changing to West.
Firefighters are working to clear areas around 407, adding extra trucks out tonight.
So far, no buildings damage and no one has been hurt.
Pray for Rain!
----------------------------------
Update: 4:30 p.m., Aug. 6
Here is the toll free number to call for those who have family, friends, cabins or such, in the fire area: 1-877-261-3473
You may get a message, please be patient, as they are receiving several calls.
---------------------------------
Update: 2:45 p.m. Aug. 6
Governor has released two more helicopters, bringing the total to five.
They should arrive by tonight or first thing in the morning.
No news is good news, but it seems to be getting contained.
News seems to look good for tonights briefing.
Wind and humidity plays a big factor of this wildfire!
Someone who has a cabin, appx. 7 1/2 miles North on 407, is saying he seen the helicopters drop water. He said he has a wind mill and has never seen the wind change so drastically in such a short period of time. It gives him an idea of what the firefighters going up against. He's not at his cabin, at this time, but, he thinks, the fire was only like a mile or so from his cabin.
----------------------------------
Update: Aug. 6, 1:00 p.m.
As of now: 14,300 acres burned!
So far no one has been hurt and no loss of buildings!
Wind is out of the North, pushing smoke into the town of Newberry.
DNR has cut a new road, into the burning area, to fight this huge fire!
The Army National Guard will be here with their aircraft, with the large buckets, available throughout the duration of this fire. Some good news is that these aircrafts can get water out of smaller lakes, ponds, they don't have to travel all the way to Lake Superior for water.
For those who are concerned with family or have a cabin here, call: 906-293-3293 and they'll do their best to inform you. At this time, they are trying to set up a toll free number, as they are receiving several calls on this number. I'll post it just as soon as I get the number.
------------------------------------------
Updates: 11:25 a.m. Aug. 6, 2007
Due to the North/Northwest winds, a lot of smoke is expected for the town of Newberry, from 4 mile corner and east, due to the northern winds that are expected.
NO NEED for people in town to be worried!
People are urged to NOT go up to that area!
The fire has NOT crossed M-123.
 ------------------------
Aug. 6, appx. 10:30 a.m.
Here is some information from the meeting:
I am listening to the live broadcast, on WNBY 1450 AM, in progress, at the public meeting at the Wolf Inn.
I am trying to keep up with as much information as possible.
Below is a little of what I am hearing so far, live, from a speaker at this meeting.
Please remember this is in my writing, from what I am understanding.
I highly want to make this clear and urge concerned people, that my web information is for your information reading only.
Concerns should be called to the approperate authorities for the most up-to-date information, please don't call just to ask questions to 911, keep all phone lines open to authorities, on this fire, unless you are having an emergency yourself.
Dean Oswald asked about his area with the Bear Ranch,
they were unaware and they will look into getting
protection in that area, to protect the bears, who cannot be moved.
Pine Stump is ok at this time, there were a little bit of confusion,
but the people from the air reported it wasn't as close as they thought. This may change by tomorrow, thoe.
----------------------------------
Update: 10:00 a.m., Aug. 6, 2007
The meeting at the Wolf Inn will begin shortly, so far there are appx.
150 people there, which includes people from the area and authorities.
Tables are getting filled up and more people are coming in.
If you would like to donate something, to help feed the firefighters
and workers please call Mary, helping the Red Cross, at: 906-450-5271. Please use this number if you have food to
donate or question on what kind of food and items may be needed.
People are concerned, the DNR tried to explain that this is not a normal Michigan fire. Weather and drought plays a big factor and can cause things that they can't control. They are trying to reach both radio stations as quickly and accurately as possible. They apologize for any confusion, but with this type of fire things are changing and they are trying to keep people informed as best as possible.
DNR speaker is saying if you have any dry/dead trees, brush etc. around your home, try to remove it. A small but serious chuckle could be heard, as the speaker said: "Houses with wood siding not a really good thing".
Deer Park residents are alright as of today.
Structure Protection Crews are out and will keep residents, in all of the fire area, informed!

If you have food donations for the Red Cross, please bring to community center, located across from the IGA or if the smoke does not bother you, you can bring items to the 4 mile corner, where the Red Cross is set up, at this time.

Also, people are being asked to stay away from the air port, they realize people are interested, but for their protection and to keep things under control, they ask for people to just keep away from the airport and the road leading into the air port!
--------------------------------
7:45 a.m. UPDATE Aug. 6, 2007
Michigan DNR Communications Officer, Ann Wilson said:
"Operations Bigger then it has been!!"
They have two tanker planes, in Kincheloe at the air port there, waiting to be called out.
They're docked there because of their size and cannot land in Newberry.
They also have helicopter and three large helicopters that can carry 700 gallons per trip, from the Michigan National Guard out of Grayling!
The Water Bomber, from Minnesota is not being used at this time, they are hoping it can be used,
but there are fire conditions in another area, that it may be needed for.
The fire is crawling through the Marsh area.
No injuries and No structures have been lost at this time!
They have been dumping water on properties and maintaining the area around the properties!
Marsh Rats, which are machines that are lighter and can stay high on the marsh ground, and not sink in like dozers do.
People who live or campers, but mainly people who have places in off from CR 407, between CR 455 - 8 mile corner and Pine Stump Junction are asked to go to the Wolf Inn for a 10 a.m. briefing, this morning, Aug. 6!
Lots of equipment out there, DNR is asking everyone to be careful and keep your distance, when traveling in the area.
M-123 still remains closed at 4 mile corner, from Newberry up to Tahquamenon Falls. *The Tahquamenon Falls is still open, but people will need to come in from the Paradise area!
Volunteers are needed at 1 p.m today, Aug. 6 at the
American Legion, located next to the police post, in Newberry.
Volunteers are needed to help make 300 sandwiches for the firefighters!
If you are able to help, please show up there to see what you can do!
------------------------------------
Update at: 10:00 p.m. Aug. 5, 2007
Michigan DNR Communications Officer, Ann Wilson, said the size of the Sleeper Lake Fire has been downgraded to 12,000 acres.
Pine Stump Junction continues to be under evacuation.
M-123 will be closed throughout the evening.
The DNR will pull back portions of their crew tonight, so they can rest and be ready for tomorrows activity.
Helicopters from the Michigan Air National Guard & a Water Bomber, from Minnesota, are on standby, to help contain this wildfire.
A 7 a.m. meeting, Monday, Aug. 6, will be going on for the operation plans of this wildfire.
As more information comes in, I will post it here.

Thank you for visiting this information & photo page, about the Sleeper Lake Wildfire!
Please book mark the home page & visit often for up-to-date local news & information!
Click link below!
TO RETURN TO MY MIDWEST WEB HOME PAGE
www.mymidwestweb.com

The smoke smell is now here in Engadine. With the slight north winds.
Smoke cannot be seen here, just a slight smell.
----------------------------------------
Official News Update! 11 a.m. Aug. 8
I just spoke directly to Major Dawn Dancer, official spokes person for the Michigan National Guard, to get an update as to the number of personal sent from Camp Grayling.
She said 45 personal were sent to assist the Sleeper Lake Fire, North of Newberry.
I asked, Major Dawn Dancer, how many helicopters have been sent, she said, "There were five sent to Newberry and one ready to go, from Camp Grayling, if needed."
4 Black Hawks and 1 Chinook were sent from Camp Grayling, they have another Chinook, located at Camp Grayling, that is ready to go, if needed.
The Chinook, that is here at Newberry, is helping with refueling only, if the other Chinook is sent from Camp Grayling, it will be used to help with the fire fighting efforts by carrying water.
Thank you so much to Major Dawn Dancer, Spokes Person with the Michigan National Guard, for talking with me this morning.
------------------------------------
Update at 8:45 a.m. Aug. 8
Electric has been restored on 407 as of around midnight last night.
Evacuation still remains in effect for Half Way Lake to Pine Stump.
Fire has consumed 19,269 acres.
Putting it at the 2nd largest fire in the U.P, the Seney Fire was 1st at consuming 75,000 acres, this fire won't get any where near that, official, Ann Wilson said.
They only got about 1/3 of an inch of rain. The high humidity, this morning was well needed.
People who have to travel on M-123 past the Four Mile Corner need to be aware the speed limit is only 25 mph!!
Heavy equipment is traveling down that road and a watering station is set up down in that area, so people need to know IF they HAVE to travel down that road, they can only drive 25 mph at this time!
People are interested, but should keep away from the area, so the firefighters can do thier job, without the need to worry about on-lookers.

One, older, unoccupied structure, in the Murfey Creek area was loss.
Crews will be going to that area to confirm more information on this.
Very Important Red Cross Training tonight at the Luce Co. Community Center, located across from the IGA in Newberry. Training is only for an hour, from 7 to 8 p.m. After this information and training meeting, people will be certified to work and help the Red Cross.
They really need help right now, volunteers are getting tired and they really would appreciate all the help they can get, so they are really hoping people will show up tonight, it's just for an hour!
---------------------------------
Update at 11 p.m. Aug. 7
Some of this was on TV 9&10 News last night and I spoke with Major Dawn Dancer, an Official Spokes Person for the Michigan National Guard.
TV 9&10 has had great coverage too!
http://www.9and10news.com/News/
U.S.N.G Deployed from Camp Grayling
3,000 men and women were in the middle of their training at Camp Grayling, when they got a call from the Gov.'s office.
Several, from the National Guard unit, were sent to help fight the wildfire, North of Newberry and will be here as long as they are needed.
The helicopters, dip huge buckets into area lakes and dump on the fire, the bucket below the helicopter is called a "Bambi Bucket" which can hold 700 gallons of water.
The Chinook Helicopters can carry 2,000 gallons of water.
Helicopters can hover over the fire and accuretely drop water or retardant.

I'm unsure as to how many from Camp Grayling was or will be sent, I talked to Mary from the Luce Co. Community Resource and Recreation Center, at 9:00 a.m. Aug. 8, she said they did not send all 3,000, she wasn't sure how many were sent, maybe around 300, but she didn't know for sure.
Mary said they (Red Cross) are prepared for that number, thoe!
Alot is going on and there is so much wonderful help
Mary, also said, the community has been just wonderful, the community and many businesses have been making and bringing them (Red Cross) many sandwiches, keeping them completely supplied with those.
-----------------------------------
Update at 9:30 p.m Aug. 7
I'm back now, just in time to report that we got some well needed rain, about 20 minutes ago, in Engadine, it came down hard, but didn't last long, about 15 minutes.
Sadly the rain has stopped and the sky is clear, now.
I talked to someone in Newberry and they said there is a few small water puddles. Word was, the fire area received only about 15 minutes of rain earlier, but that has not been confirmed yet.
Earlier the fire was only 1/2 mile from CR 407 and Pine Stump Junction.
 Air craft have been dumping water on areas with structures, hopefully that is going well.
Pray for "good news" to report tomorrow!
--------------------------------
Update 4:17 p.m. Aug. 7
2nd EVACUATION NOTICE
State Forest Campground, North of Pine Stump
Including: Old Headquarters, Perch Lake, Two Hearted, High Bridge and anywhere near is to leave now.
Authorities are there or in the area to inform people/campers!
Some structures are in danger, but no confirmed info. on them.
--------------------------------
Update 3:45 p.m. Aug. 7
Winds out of the S- SW at 10 MPH
More troops expected to come in from Camp Grayling
News is coming in a little slower, but the fire is growing, it's up to an appx. estimated of 17,000  !!!
I need to be somewhere else, for awhile, this is for those of you that have been keeping my webpage refreshed. 
There is a toll free phone number, listed above, they have a recorded message, as to the results of the fire, they try to up date it as they can, but remember getting the fire out and people safe comes first.
Please email me if you have questions and I'll try to get to them when I get back.
GOD BLESS all of you for praying and caring!
We sure have a wonderful bunch of people here and everywhere!
Watch here for updated later tonight, or tomorrow!
------------------------------
FYI
If you're in the listening area, tune into WNBY 1450 AM or Oldies 93 at 93.9 FM, the shut off of the electric did not effect this station.
Their AM station is broadcasting live minute by minute coverage.
In between updates, they are playing recorded messages, to keep everyone informed of the past and present happenings!
TV 6 out of Marquette has updates on their local news feeds, along with other area Television Stations.
I was at a business earlier today, they couldn't get in a radio station, very well. I told them to turn off the fluorescent light, and it came in. Just thought I would let you know, in case you're having problems tuning in radio stations, you might want to try this.??!! Certain fluorescent lights can mess up some cordless phones, too. A friend of mine had one, it was funny, I always knew when she was in her kitchen (where she had the only fluorescent light in the house).
--------------------------------
Update 2:30 p.m. Aug. 7
CR 407 is closed. I'm not sure but I believe this road is also called H-37.
Road Closed 4 mile corner to 8 mile to Half Way Lake
Electric is off from 8 mile corner all they way to Pine Stump and poss. as far as Deer Park.
If people living in this area need to leave or need to get into that area, are being told to flag down an officer and they will help you get to and from that area. They ask you to not flag down the firefighters, they are quickly moving to get to the fire. Unless it's an extreme emergency!
The fire is right on the edge of Dawson Creek.
Fire is moving quickly in the Pine Stump area.
Winds is expected to shift in a South direction.
--------------------------------
2:00 p.m. Update Aug. 7
Cloverland has turned off electric in the effected area.
Which seems to be along 407 and 420.
The fire is right now up to Pine Stump Junction.
Firefighters are doing everything they can to keep it from jumping 407.
As of right now, it hasn't jumped 407 yet.
Perch Lake, Pretty Lake and surrounding campgrounds are being asked to leave.
So far appx. two dozen people have been evacuated, it's not a real populated area up there. 
Situation has been upgraded, don't know how it could be upgraded, it's very bad now, but other fire departments are coming in as far as St.Ignace. This is for many reasons, from to help fight the fire, to releaving some of the other departments, that need to rest.
Wind direction is straight out of South at appx. 5 mph
There will be a meeting at the Youth Center, Community Center, located right across from the IGA grocery store in Newberry.
This will begin at 7 p.m., tomorrow (Wed. Aug. 8) 
I believe this meeting will be with the Red Cross and covering what the Red Cross is doing and how you can help. (I'll try to get more information on this meeting).
-----------------------------------
Update: 12:40 p.m. Aug. 7
CR 414 and Muskallonge Lake is not in danger. But if you were planning to leave with in the next couple days, you may want to pack up sooner, to be able to travel out on a paved road.
MAIN concern is about the traffic on the road right now, 407 will be closed at 1:00 p.m. today. After that heavy equipment will be going down that road.
People traveling need to stay CALM and travel careful and slow. Do not go over the speed limit, no need for that!
It is stressed to just stay calm!
For those still in the evacuation area, they need to leave, for their safety and for the protection of the firefighters.
The toll free phone number, listed above, has a wonderful, detailed, recorded message, for those with concerns, property, friends, family, etc. in the wildfire area.
-----------------------------------
Update: 11:45 a.m. Aug. 7
An Evacuation Shelter will be set up at the Newberry School.
Cots, Blankets, Food Service
Open at Appx. 2:30 p.m. today.
----------------------------------------
EVACUATION NOTICE
Aug. 7, 11:10 a.m
Very Critical Situation Going on Right Now!
Pine Stump Junction South to Half Way Lake
CR 407 will CLOSE in appx. Two hours at 1:00 p.m.
This will be from 4 mile corner all the way to Pine Stump.
Camps further North is not in any danger, but Campers are given two hours to get out, if you need a paved road, 407 is the only paved road and will be closed at 1:00 p.m. today! There are gravel roads to get out, but if you need a paved road, now is the time to leave!
-------------------------------------------------
UPDATE AGAIN: Aug. 7, about M-123 opening!
It won't happen until NOON today, now.
Updates are coming in by the minute, so please bear with me!
Thank you!
------------------------------------
Update10:00 a.m. Aug. 7
GOOD NEWS, M-123 is opening at 10:30 a.m. this morning.
People are asked to stay away from fire area and to stay on the main road, not to go off on any of the roads leading off from M123.
Try to use just the exsiting roads!
DO NOT go back into areas off from M-123, signs are posted and they ask while traveling, keep your headlights on.
15,428 acres lost so far!
Wisc. DNR, not here yet, but is on the way.
--------------------------------
Update: 8:50 a.m. Aug. 7
Smoke is gone out of our area, this morning, here in Engadine. At midnight last night, it looked like fog out side, but the smell was terrible!
Today there is more clouds then we've had, today temp. mid to upper 70's, slight chance of rain, SE winds, 10 up to poss. 20 mph.
It was a cool morning, swirling winds.
Concerns about it going all the way through marsh, into the hardwoods.
People in the 407 and 420 area will see more activity today.
Focus on McMan Lake, East of 407 and 420, up along Dalson Creek.
Focus on Pine Stump and Wolf Inn area, also.
Home owner from Pike Lake area said he could breathe a little easier this morning.
Winds expected NW tonight.
Over 200 people working on this fire, this is not including many of the local community firefighters, appx. 20 DNR out of Wisc., National Guard, Red Cross, State Police and many more!
Red Cross needs today, veggies and fruit, like baby carrots, bananas, cherries etc., smaller finger foods, something easy to grab, go and eat.
Sandwich bags are also needed.
Community has been great, Mary from the community center said "Our Community has Heart".
Aircrafts still here, helping, with two more coming in today.
There are other water carriers, like ATV's.
They are hoping to get an aircraft in that can carry up to 2000 gallons!

I had someone, from out of the area, ask how could they help, first I said pray for rain, without lighting! Then, as we talked, we were wondering if groceries could be bought through a credit card, by her calling the store and telling them what she wanted done. She thought she could put like twenty dollars on her card and they could go from there. I don't know if that would work, but it's worth the call to Mac's Market or the IGA in Newberry.
Again, I don't know if this is possible, but she was going to check into it.
I know I've had other concerns from people, out of the area, wishing they could help. If you want to help, send me an email at:
julie@mymidwestweb.com and I will try to get you in touch with someone to contact!

Lutheran Church in Engadine doing a dinner tonight, Aug. 7, for firefighters.
If you call WNBY at 293-3221, they can give you more info. on this.
Also: Newberry Corr. Facility, bringing lunch to firefighters tomorrow,
Newberry Eagles Club, bringing dinner out tomorrow.
----------------------------------
Update: 9:00 p.m. Aug. 6
I am located one mile North of Engadine, the smoke, from the Sleeper Lake fire, is getting strong, here. My husband was trying to clean some brush from around our back yard and had to come in. (We are not in any danger here, just cleaning our own yard.)
We are keeping the windows closed, every time we open the door, a strong odor, of smoke, comes in.
It was said earlier that, the down wind area may be quite large.
Winds are slight, but are out of the North.
For those with respiratory conditions, you should keep your windows and doors closed.
If you experience any problems breathing, call or go to the nearest hospital, to be checked out!!
If you have or know of an eldery person, who lives alone, please check on them! Even if the smoke or fire isn't effecting them at this time, they still may be a little uneasy and unsure of what is going on.
24 hour, rotating fire patrols will be working throughout the night.
---------------------------------
Update: 6:30 p.m. Aug. 6
180 people working on fire.
A crew from Crystal Falls, just rolled in to help.
People should rest easy tonight, with more info., on this fire, in the morning.
Tomorrow's forecast calls for partly sunny in the morning, changing to possible showers in the afternoon, winds out of SE by late morning, possible changing to West.
Firefighters are working to clear areas around 407, adding extra trucks out tonight.
So far, no buildings damage and no one has been hurt.
Pray for Rain!
----------------------------------
Update: 4:30 p.m., Aug. 6
Here is the toll free number to call for those who have family, friends, cabins or such, in the fire area: 1-877-261-3473
You may get a message, please be patient, as they are receiving several calls.
---------------------------------
Update: 2:45 p.m. Aug. 6
Governor has released two more helicopters, bringing the total to five.
They should arrive by tonight or first thing in the morning.
No news is good news, but it seems to be getting contained.
News seems to look good for tonights briefing.
Wind and humidity plays a big factor of this wildfire!
Someone who has a cabin, appx. 7 1/2 miles North on 407, is saying he seen the helicopters drop water. He said he has a wind mill and has never seen the wind change so drastically in such a short period of time. It gives him an idea of what the firefighters going up against. He's not at his cabin, at this time, but, he thinks, the fire was only like a mile or so from his cabin.
----------------------------------
Update: Aug. 6, 1:00 p.m.
As of now: 14,300 acres burned!
So far no one has been hurt and no loss of buildings!
Wind is out of the North, pushing smoke into the town of Newberry.
DNR has cut a new road, into the burning area, to fight this huge fire!
The Army National Guard will be here with their aircraft, with the large buckets, available throughout the duration of this fire. Some good news is that these aircrafts can get water out of smaller lakes, ponds, they don't have to travel all the way to Lake Superior for water.
For those who are concerned with family or have a cabin here, call: 906-293-3293 and they'll do their best to inform you. At this time, they are trying to set up a toll free number, as they are receiving several calls on this number. I'll post it just as soon as I get the number.
------------------------------------------
Updates: 11:25 a.m. Aug. 6, 2007
Due to the North/Northwest winds, a lot of smoke is expected for the town of Newberry, from 4 mile corner and east, due to the northern winds that are expected.
NO NEED for people in town to be worried!
People are urged to NOT go up to that area!
The fire has NOT crossed M-123.
 --------------------------------
Aug. 6, appx. 10:30 a.m.
Here is some information from the meeting:
I am listening to the live broadcast, on WNBY 1450 AM, in progress, at the public meeting at the Wolf Inn.
I am trying to keep up with as much information as possible.
Below is a little of what I am hearing so far, live, from a speaker at this meeting.
Please remember this is in my writing, from what I am understanding.
I highly want to make this clear and urge concerned people, that my web information is for your information reading only.
Concerns should be called to the approperate authorities for the most up-to-date information, please don't call just to ask questions to 911, keep all phone lines open to authorities, on this fire, unless you are having an emergency yourself.
Dean Oswald asked about his area with the Bear Ranch,
they were unaware and they will look into getting
protection in that area, to protect the bears, who cannot be moved.
Pine Stump is ok at this time, there were a little bit of confusion,
but the people from the air reported it wasn't as close as they thought. This may change by tomorrow, thoe.
----------------------------------
Update: 10:00 a.m., Aug. 6, 2007
The meeting at the Wolf Inn will begin shortly, so far there are appx.
150 people there, which includes people from the area and authorities.
Tables are getting filled up and more people are coming in.
If you would like to donate something, to help feed the firefighters
and workers please call Mary, helping the Red Cross, at: 906-450-5271. Please use this number if you have food to
donate or question on what kind of food and items may be needed.
People are concerned, the DNR tried to explain that this is not a normal Michigan fire. Weather and drought plays a big factor and can cause things that they can't control. They are trying to reach both radio stations as quickly and accurately as possible. They apologize for any confusion, but with this type of fire things are changing and they are trying to keep people informed as best as possible.
DNR speaker is saying if you have any dry/dead trees, brush etc. around your home, try to remove it. A small but serious chuckle could be heard, as the speaker said: "Houses with wood siding not a really good thing".
Deer Park residents are alright as of today.
Structure Protection Crews are out and will keep residents, in all of the fire area, informed!

If you have food donations for the Red Cross, please bring to community center, located across from the IGA or if the smoke does not bother you, you can bring items to the 4 mile corner, where the Red Cross is set up, at this time.

Also, people are being asked to stay away from the air port, they realize people are interested, but for their protection and to keep things under control, they ask for people to just keep away from the airport and the road leading into the air port!
---------------------------------
7:45 a.m. UPDATE Aug. 6, 2007
Michigan DNR Communications Officer, Ann Wilson said:
"Operations Bigger then it has been!!"
They have two tanker planes, in Kincheloe at the air port there, waiting to be called out.
They're docked there because of their size and cannot land in Newberry.
They also have helicopter and three large helicopters that can carry 700 gallons per trip, from the Michigan National Guard out of Grayling!
The Water Bomber, from Minnesota is not being used at this time, they are hoping it can be used,
but there are fire conditions in another area, that it may be needed for.
The fire is crawling through the Marsh area.
No injuries and No structures have been lost at this time!
They have been dumping water on properties and maintaining the area around the properties!
Marsh Rats, which are machines that are lighter and can stay high on the marsh ground, and not sink in like dozers do.
People who live or campers, but mainly people who have places in off from CR 407, between CR 455 - 8 mile corner and Pine Stump Junction are asked to go to the Wolf Inn for a 10 a.m. briefing, this morning, Aug. 6!
Lots of equipment out there, DNR is asking everyone to be careful and keep your distance, when traveling in the area.
M-123 still remains closed at 4 mile corner, from Newberry up to Tahquamenon Falls. *The Tahquamenon Falls is still open, but people will need to come in from the Paradise area!
Volunteers are needed at 1 p.m today, Aug. 6 at the
American Legion, located next to the police post, in Newberry.
Volunteers are needed to help make 300 sandwiches for the firefighters!
If you are able to help, please show up there to see what you can do!
------------------------------------
Update at: 10:00 p.m. Aug. 5, 2007
Michigan DNR Communications Officer, Ann Wilson, said the size of the Sleeper Lake Fire has been downgraded to 12,000 acres.
Pine Stump Junction continues to be under evacuation.
M-123 will be closed throughout the evening.
The DNR will pull back portions of their crew tonight, so they can rest and be ready for tomorrows activity.
Helicopters from the Michigan Air National Guard & a Water Bomber, from Minnesota, are on standby, to help contain this wildfire.
A 7 a.m. meeting, Monday, Aug. 6, will be going on for the operation plans of this wildfire.
As more information comes in, I will post it here.

Thank you for visiting this information & photo page, about the Sleeper Lake Wildfire!
Please book mark the home page & visit often for up-to-date local news & information!
Click link below!
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www.mymidwestweb.com

The smoke smell is now here in Engadine. With the slight north winds.
Smoke cannot be seen here, just a slight smell.
-------------------------------------------------
Official News Update! 11 a.m. Aug. 8
I just spoke directly to Major Dawn Dancer, official spokes person for the Michigan National Guard, to get an update as to the number of personal sent from Camp Grayling.
She said 45 personal were sent to assist the Sleeper Lake Fire, North of Newberry.
I asked, Major Dawn Dancer, how many helicopters have been sent, she said, "There were five sent to Newberry and one ready to go, from Camp Grayling, if needed."
4 Black Hawks and 1 Chinook were sent from Camp Grayling, they have another Chinook, located at Camp Grayling, that is ready to go, if needed.
The Chinook, that is here at Newberry, is helping with refueling only, if the other Chinook is sent from Camp Grayling, it will be used to help with the fire fighting efforts by carrying water.
Thank you so much to Major Dawn Dancer, Spokes Person with the Michigan National Guard, for talking with me this morning.
---------------------------------------
Update at 8:45 a.m. Aug. 8
Electric has been restored on 407 as of around midnight last night.
Evacuation still remains in effect for Half Way Lake to Pine Stump.
Fire has consumed 19,269 acres.
Putting it at the 2nd largest fire in the U.P, the Seney Fire was 1st at consuming 75,000 acres, this fire won't get any where near that, official, Ann Wilson said.
They only got about 1/3 of an inch of rain. The high humidity, this morning was well needed.
People who have to travel on M-123 past the Four Mile Corner need to be aware the speed limit is only 25 mph!!
Heavy equipment is traveling down that road and a watering station is set up down in that area, so people need to know IF they HAVE to travel down that road, they can only drive 25 mph at this time!
People are interested, but should keep away from the area, so the firefighters can do thier job, without the need to worry about on-lookers.

One, older, unoccupied structure, in the Murfey Creek area was loss.
Crews will be going to that area to confirm more information on this.
Very Important Red Cross Training tonight at the Luce Co. Community Center, located across from the IGA in Newberry. Training is only for an hour, from 7 to 8 p.m. After this information and training meeting, people will be certified to work and help the Red Cross.
They really need help right now, volunteers are getting tired and they really would appreciate all the help they can get, so they are really hoping people will show up tonight, it's just for an hour!
---------------------------------
Update at 11 p.m. Aug. 7
Some of this was on TV 9&10 News last night and I spoke with Major Dawn Dancer, an Official Spokes Person for the Michigan National Guard.
TV 9&10 has had great coverage too!
http://www.9and10news.com/News/
U.S.N.G Deployed from Camp Grayling
3,000 men and women were in the middle of their training at Camp Grayling, when they got a call from the Gov.'s office.
Several, from the National Guard unit, were sent to help fight the wildfire, North of Newberry and will be here as long as they are needed.
The helicopters, dip huge buckets into area lakes and dump on the fire, the bucket below the helicopter is called a "Bambi Bucket" which can hold 700 gallons of water.
The Chinook Helicopters can carry 2,000 gallons of water.
Helicopters can hover over the fire and accuretely drop water or retardant.

I'm unsure as to how many from Camp Grayling was or will be sent, I talked to Mary from the Luce Co. Community Resource and Recreation Center, at 9:00 a.m. Aug. 8, she said they did not send all 3,000, she wasn't sure how many were sent, maybe around 300, but she didn't know for sure.
Mary said they (Red Cross) are prepared for that number, thoe!
Alot is going on and there is so much wonderful help
Mary, also said, the community has been just wonderful, the community and many businesses have been making and bringing them (Red Cross) many sandwiches, keeping them completely supplied with those.
----------------------------------
Update at 9:30 p.m Aug. 7
I'm back now, just in time to report that we got some well needed rain, about 20 minutes ago, in Engadine, it came down hard, but didn't last long, about 15 minutes.
Sadly the rain has stopped and the sky is clear, now.
I talked to someone in Newberry and they said there is a few small water puddles. Word was, the fire area received only about 15 minutes of rain earlier, but that has not been confirmed yet.
Earlier the fire was only 1/2 mile from CR 407 and Pine Stump Junction.
 Air craft have been dumping water on areas with structures, hopefully that is going well.
Pray for "good news" to report tomorrow!
----------------------------------------
Update 4:17 p.m. Aug. 7
2nd EVACUATION NOTICE
State Forest Campground, North of Pine Stump
Including: Old Headquarters, Perch Lake, Two Hearted, High Bridge and anywhere near is to leave now.
Authorities are there or in the area to inform people/campers!
Some structures are in danger, but no confirmed info. on them.
-------------------------------
Update 3:45 p.m. Aug. 7
Winds out of the S- SW at 10 MPH
More troops expected to come in from Camp Grayling
News is coming in a little slower, but the fire is growing, it's up to an appx. estimated of 17,000  !!!
I need to be somewhere else, for awhile, this is for those of you that have been keeping my webpage refreshed. 
There is a toll free phone number, listed above, they have a recorded message, as to the results of the fire, they try to up date it as they can, but remember getting the fire out and people safe comes first.
Please email me if you have questions and I'll try to get to them when I get back.
GOD BLESS all of you for praying and caring!
We sure have a wonderful bunch of people here and everywhere!
Watch here for updated later tonight, or tomorrow!
-------------------------------
FYI
If you're in the listening area, tune into WNBY 1450 AM or Oldies 93 at 93.9 FM, the shut off of the electric did not effect this station.
Their AM station is broadcasting live minute by minute coverage.
In between updates, they are playing recorded messages, to keep everyone informed of the past and present happenings!
TV 6 out of Marquette has updates on their local news feeds, along with other area Television Stations.
I was at a business earlier today, they couldn't get in a radio station, very well. I told them to turn off the fluorescent light, and it came in. Just thought I would let you know, in case you're having problems tuning in radio stations, you might want to try this.??!! Certain fluorescent lights can mess up some cordless phones, too. A friend of mine had one, it was funny, I always knew when she was in her kitchen (where she had the only fluorescent light in the house).
--------------------------------
Update 2:30 p.m. Aug. 7
CR 407 is closed. I'm not sure but I believe this road is also called H-37.
Road Closed 4 mile corner to 8 mile to Half Way Lake
Electric is off from 8 mile corner all they way to Pine Stump and poss. as far as Deer Park.
If people living in this area need to leave or need to get into that area, are being told to flag down an officer and they will help you get to and from that area. They ask you to not flag down the firefighters, they are quickly moving to get to the fire. Unless it's an extreme emergency!
The fire is right on the edge of Dawson Creek.
Fire is moving quickly in the Pine Stump area.
Winds is expected to shift in a South direction.
---------------------------------
2:00 p.m. Update Aug. 7
Cloverland has turned off electric in the effected area.
Which seems to be along 407 and 420.
The fire is right now up to Pine Stump Junction.
Firefighters are doing everything they can to keep it from jumping 407.
As of right now, it hasn't jumped 407 yet.
Perch Lake, Pretty Lake and surrounding campgrounds are being asked to leave.
So far appx. two dozen people have been evacuated, it's not a real populated area up there. 
Situation has been upgraded, don't know how it could be upgraded, it's very bad now, but other fire departments are coming in as far as St.Ignace. This is for many reasons, from to help fight the fire, to releaving some of the other departments, that need to rest.
Wind direction is straight out of South at appx. 5 mph
There will be a meeting at the Youth Center, Community Center, located right across from the IGA grocery store in Newberry.
This will begin at 7 p.m., tomorrow (Wed. Aug. 8) 
I believe this meeting will be with the Red Cross and covering what the Red Cross is doing and how you can help. (I'll try to get more information on this meeting).
-----------------------------------
Update: 12:40 p.m. Aug. 7
CR 414 and Muskallonge Lake is not in danger. But if you were planning to leave with in the next couple days, you may want to pack up sooner, to be able to travel out on a paved road.
MAIN concern is about the traffic on the road right now, 407 will be closed at 1:00 p.m. today. After that heavy equipment will be going down that road.
People traveling need to stay CALM and travel careful and slow. Do not go over the speed limit, no need for that!
It is stressed to just stay calm!
For those still in the evacuation area, they need to leave, for their safety and for the protection of the firefighters.
The toll free phone number, listed above, has a wonderful, detailed, recorded message, for those with concerns, property, friends, family, etc. in the wildfire area.
-----------------------------------
Update: 11:45 a.m. Aug. 7
An Evacuation Shelter will be set up at the Newberry School.
Cots, Blankets, Food Service
Open at Appx. 2:30 p.m. today.
---------------------------------------
EVACUATION NOTICE
Aug. 7, 11:10 a.m
Very Critical Situation Going on Right Now!
Pine Stump Junction South to Half Way Lake
CR 407 will CLOSE in appx. Two hours at 1:00 p.m.
This will be from 4 mile corner all the way to Pine Stump.
Camps further North is not in any danger, but Campers are given two hours to get out, if you need a paved road, 407 is the only paved road and will be closed at 1:00 p.m. today! There are gravel roads to get out, but if you need a paved road, now is the time to leave!
---------------------------------
UPDATE AGAIN: Aug. 7, about M-123 opening!
It won't happen until NOON today, now.
Updates are coming in by the minute, so please bear with me!
Thank you!
------------------------------------
Update10:00 a.m. Aug. 7
GOOD NEWS, M-123 is opening at 10:30 a.m. this morning.
People are asked to stay away from fire area and to stay on the main road, not to go off on any of the roads leading off from M123.
Try to use just the exsiting roads!
DO NOT go back into areas off from M-123, signs are posted and they ask while traveling, keep your headlights on.
15,428 acres lost so far!
Wisc. DNR, not here yet, but is on the way.
---------------------------------
Update: 8:50 a.m. Aug. 7
Smoke is gone out of our area, this morning, here in Engadine. At midnight last night, it looked like fog out side, but the smell was terrible!
Today there is more clouds then we've had, today temp. mid to upper 70's, slight chance of rain, SE winds, 10 up to poss. 20 mph.
It was a cool morning, swirling winds.
Concerns about it going all the way through marsh, into the hardwoods.
People in the 407 and 420 area will see more activity today.
Focus on McMan Lake, East of 407 and 420, up along Dalson Creek.
Focus on Pine Stump and Wolf Inn area, also.
Home owner from Pike Lake area said he could breathe a little easier this morning.
Winds expected NW tonight.
Over 200 people working on this fire, this is not including many of the local community firefighters, appx. 20 DNR out of Wisc., National Guard, Red Cross, State Police and many more!
Red Cross needs today, veggies and fruit, like baby carrots, bananas, cherries etc., smaller finger foods, something easy to grab, go and eat.
Sandwich bags are also needed.
Community has been great, Mary from the community center said "Our Community has Heart".
Aircrafts still here, helping, with two more coming in today.
There are other water carriers, like ATV's.
They are hoping to get an aircraft in that can carry up to 2000 gallons!

I had someone, from out of the area, ask how could they help, first I said pray for rain, without lighting! Then, as we talked, we were wondering if groceries could be bought through a credit card, by her calling the store and telling them what she wanted done. She thought she could put like twenty dollars on her card and they could go from there. I don't know if that would work, but it's worth the call to Mac's Market or the IGA in Newberry.
Again, I don't know if this is possible, but she was going to check into it.
I know I've had other concerns from people, out of the area, wishing they could help. If you want to help, send me an email at:
julie@mymidwestweb.com and I will try to get you in touch with someone to contact!

Lutheran Church in Engadine doing a dinner tonight, Aug. 7, for firefighters.
If you call WNBY at 293-3221, they can give you more info. on this.
Also: Newberry Corr. Facility, bringing lunch to firefighters tomorrow,
Newberry Eagles Club, bringing dinner out tomorrow.
---------------------------------
Update: 9:00 p.m. Aug. 6
I am located one mile North of Engadine, the smoke, from the Sleeper Lake fire, is getting strong, here. My husband was trying to clean some brush from around our back yard and had to come in. (We are not in any danger here, just cleaning our own yard.)
We are keeping the windows closed, every time we open the door, a strong odor, of smoke, comes in.
It was said earlier that, the down wind area may be quite large.
Winds are slight, but are out of the North.
For those with respiratory conditions, you should keep your windows and doors closed.
If you experience any problems breathing, call or go to the nearest hospital, to be checked out!!
If you have or know of an eldery person, who lives alone, please check on them! Even if the smoke or fire isn't effecting them at this time, they still may be a little uneasy and unsure of what is going on.
24 hour, rotating fire patrols will be working throughout the night.
----------------------------------
Update: 6:30 p.m. Aug. 6
180 people working on fire.
A crew from Crystal Falls, just rolled in to help.
People should rest easy tonight, with more info., on this fire, in the morning.
Tomorrow's forecast calls for partly sunny in the morning, changing to possible showers in the afternoon, winds out of SE by late morning, possible changing to West.
Firefighters are working to clear areas around 407, adding extra trucks out tonight.
So far, no buildings damage and no one has been hurt.
Pray for Rain!
----------------------------------
Update: 4:30 p.m., Aug. 6
Here is the toll free number to call for those who have family, friends, cabins or such, in the fire area: 1-877-261-3473
You may get a message, please be patient, as they are receiving several calls.
---------------------------------
Update: 2:45 p.m. Aug. 6
Governor has released two more helicopters, bringing the total to five.
They should arrive by tonight or first thing in the morning.
No news is good news, but it seems to be getting contained.
News seems to look good for tonights briefing.
Wind and humidity plays a big factor of this wildfire!
Someone who has a cabin, appx. 7 1/2 miles North on 407, is saying he seen the helicopters drop water. He said he has a wind mill and has never seen the wind change so drastically in such a short period of time. It gives him an idea of what the firefighters going up against. He's not at his cabin, at this time, but, he thinks, the fire was only like a mile or so from his cabin.
----------------------------------
Update: Aug. 6, 1:00 p.m.
As of now: 14,300 acres burned!
So far no one has been hurt and no loss of buildings!
Wind is out of the North, pushing smoke into the town of Newberry.
DNR has cut a new road, into the burning area, to fight this huge fire!
The Army National Guard will be here with their aircraft, with the large buckets, available throughout the duration of this fire. Some good news is that these aircrafts can get water out of smaller lakes, ponds, they don't have to travel all the way to Lake Superior for water.
For those who are concerned with family or have a cabin here, call: 906-293-3293 and they'll do their best to inform you. At this time, they are trying to set up a toll free number, as they are receiving several calls on this number. I'll post it just as soon as I get the number.
------------------------------------------
Updates: 11:25 a.m. Aug. 6, 2007
Due to the North/Northwest winds, a lot of smoke is expected for the town of Newberry, from 4 mile corner and east, due to the northern winds that are expected.
NO NEED for people in town to be worried!
People are urged to NOT go up to that area!
The fire has NOT crossed M-123.
 ------------------------
Aug. 6, appx. 10:30 a.m.
Here is some information from the meeting:
I am listening to the live broadcast, on WNBY 1450 AM, in progress, at the public meeting at the Wolf Inn.
I am trying to keep up with as much information as possible.
Below is a little of what I am hearing so far, live, from a speaker at this meeting.
Please remember this is in my writing, from what I am understanding.
I highly want to make this clear and urge concerned people, that my web information is for your information reading only.
Concerns should be called to the approperate authorities for the most up-to-date information, please don't call just to ask questions to 911, keep all phone lines open to authorities, on this fire, unless you are having an emergency yourself.
Dean Oswald asked about his area with the Bear Ranch,
they were unaware and they will look into getting
protection in that area, to protect the bears, who cannot be moved.
Pine Stump is ok at this time, there were a little bit of confusion,
but the people from the air reported it wasn't as close as they thought. This may change by tomorrow, thoe.
---------------------------------
Update: 10:00 a.m., Aug. 6, 2007
The meeting at the Wolf Inn will begin shortly, so far there are appx.
150 people there, which includes people from the area and authorities.
Tables are getting filled up and more people are coming in.
If you would like to donate something, to help feed the firefighters
and workers please call Mary, helping the Red Cross, at: 906-450-5271. Please use this number if you have food to
donate or question on what kind of food and items may be needed.
People are concerned, the DNR tried to explain that this is not a normal Michigan fire. Weather and drought plays a big factor and can cause things that they can't control. They are trying to reach both radio stations as quickly and accurately as possible. They apologize for any confusion, but with this type of fire things are changing and they are trying to keep people informed as best as possible.
DNR speaker is saying if you have any dry/dead trees, brush etc. around your home, try to remove it. A small but serious chuckle could be heard, as the speaker said: "Houses with wood siding not a really good thing".
Deer Park residents are alright as of today.
Structure Protection Crews are out and will keep residents, in all of the fire area, informed!

If you have food donations for the Red Cross, please bring to community center, located across from the IGA or if the smoke does not bother you, you can bring items to the 4 mile corner, where the Red Cross is set up, at this time.

Also, people are being asked to stay away from the air port, they realize people are interested, but for their protection and to keep things under control, they ask for people to just keep away from the airport and the road leading into the air port!
--------------------------------
7:45 a.m. UPDATE Aug. 6, 2007
Michigan DNR Communications Officer, Ann Wilson said:
"Operations Bigger then it has been!!"
They have two tanker planes, in Kincheloe at the air port there, waiting to be called out.
They're docked there because of their size and cannot land in Newberry.
They also have helicopter and three large helicopters that can carry 700 gallons per trip, from the Michigan National Guard out of Grayling!
The Water Bomber, from Minnesota is not being used at this time, they are hoping it can be used,
but there are fire conditions in another area, that it may be needed for.
The fire is crawling through the Marsh area.
No injuries and No structures have been lost at this time!
They have been dumping water on properties and maintaining the area around the properties!
Marsh Rats, which are machines that are lighter and can stay high on the marsh ground, and not sink in like dozers do.
People who live or campers, but mainly people who have places in off from CR 407, between CR 455 - 8 mile corner and Pine Stump Junction are asked to go to the Wolf Inn for a 10 a.m. briefing, this morning, Aug. 6!
Lots of equipment out there, DNR is asking everyone to be careful and keep your distance, when traveling in the area.
M-123 still remains closed at 4 mile corner, from Newberry up to Tahquamenon Falls. *The Tahquamenon Falls is still open, but people will need to come in from the Paradise area!
Volunteers are needed at 1 p.m today, Aug. 6 at the
American Legion, located next to the police post, in Newberry.
Volunteers are needed to help make 300 sandwiches for the firefighters!
If you are able to help, please show up there to see what you can do!
----------------------------------
Update at: 10:00 p.m. Aug. 5, 2007
Michigan DNR Communications Officer, Ann Wilson, said the size of the Sleeper Lake Fire has been downgraded to 12,000 acres.
Pine Stump Junction continues to be under evacuation.
M-123 will be closed throughout the evening.
The DNR will pull back portions of their crew tonight, so they can rest and be ready for tomorrows activity.
Helicopters from the Michigan Air National Guard & a Water Bomber, from Minnesota, are on standby, to help contain this wildfire.
A 7 a.m. meeting, Monday, Aug. 6, will be going on for the operation plans of this wildfire.
As more information comes in, I will post it here.

Thank you for visiting this information & photo page, about the Sleeper Lake Wildfire!
Please book mark the home page & visit often for up-to-date local news & information!
Click link below!
TO RETURN TO MY MIDWEST WEB HOME PAGE
www.mymidwestweb.com