UP fire cost $3.5M; rush sale of timber

NEWBERRY, Mich. (AP) - The cost of fighting a roughly 33-square-mile fire in Michigan's Upper Peninsula is expected to rise to at least $3.5 million.

MLive.com reports the Department of Natural Resources expects to exceed the $12.5 million budgeted for firefighting this fiscal year. On Wednesday in Lansing, the state House approved a supplemental bill to help the DNR cover the cost of the Duck Lake fire in Luce County.

The DNR reported Wednesday that crews fully contained the fire, about three weeks after a lightning strike started it.

The wildfire destroyed 136 structures, including homes, outbuildings and campers. It temporarily closed Tahquamenon Falls State Park. No injuries were reported.

Authorities are holding a rush sale of timber in an area damaged by the fire.

The DNR says it's moving fast to salvage the timber because of the potential for bugs infesting trees left standing.

The DNR says preparations are under way and says it's offering a tour June 21 for potential bidders. The bidding starts at 10 a.m. June 22 at its Newberry field office.