The Associated Press
GRAYLING, Mich. — Authorities say a wildfire in northern Michigan has burned six homes and forced part of Interstate 75 to close.
About 50 homes have been evacuated. No injuries have been reported.
Authorities say a patrolling U.S. Forest Service helicopter spotted the fire after it started Thursday near Grayling about 175 miles north of Detroit.
Brisk winds, dry, warm conditions and abundant jack pine trees aided the fire's spread across 1,100 acres, or nearly 2 square miles.
But Michigan Department of Natural Resources spokeswoman Mary Detloff says the flames have slowed as it nears a wetland and golf course.
Federal, state and local firefighters have the blaze about 30 percent contained. The cause wasn't known.
Copyright 2008 The Associated Press.
