Resolute’s paper mill fire burning for days, help from other counties arranged

Firefighters and equipment from several hours away have traveled to Michigan’s Upper Peninsula to monitor an industrial fire that has been burning for days.

The fire at Resolute Forest Products in Menominee began around 11 p.m. on October 6 and is contained, officials said.

Officials in the U.P. town also say the fire is expected to continue burning for several days.

“As wind direction changes city residents may smell smoke and possibly see soot on outdoor surfaces,” Marinette County Highway Department Division of Emergency Management officials said. “The EPA is on-site and conducting air monitoring. Currently they are not finding any chemical levels above health-based screening levels.”

According to Click on Detroit, Chief Brian Ball, the president of the Michigan Mutual Aid Box Alarm System (MABAS), said, “this has been a long fire that has been difficult to fully extinguish.”

To help, Ball says a ladder truck from Oakland County, a drone from Macomb County, and a ladder truck from Livingston County, have all been sent to the U.P.

Several counties in the U.P., local businesses and residents are also sending resources to aid in the firefighting efforts.

David Marshall, director of sustainability & public affairs for Resolute Forest Products said the fire started in a warehouse that contained pulp and waste paper.

Officials report no injuries in the fire.