MENOMINEE, Mich. (From news reports) -- Firefighters from several hours away have traveled to Michigan's Upper Peninsula to monitor an industrial fire that started four days ago.
The fire at Resolute Forest Products in Menominee began around 11 p.m. on Oct. 6 and is expected to burn for several days, according to officials in the U.P. town. The fire is contained, officials said.
"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."
Firefighters are coming from as far north as Ishpeming and as far south as Brown County, Wisconsin to help relieve crews who have been on scene around the clock over the weekend, according to local media reports.
Local businesses and residents have been stepping up to provide meals for those working the scene. All meals through Wednesday evening have been covered.
"Our firefighters and command staff are grateful for the meals the community is providing, as it allows us to focus solely on firefighting tactics," a statement reads.
David Marshall, Director, Sustainability & Public Affairs for the Montreal-based company said the fire started in a rented warehouse that serves as a recycled pulp mill. No injuries were reported.
According to the company's website, 98 people work at the Menominee mill.
Specializing in market pulp, tissue, wood products and papers, the company owns or operates some 40 facilities, as well as power generation assets, in the United States and Canada.
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