Massive Northern MI Fire Forces Residents To Shelter In Place: Police

CHEBOYGAN, MI — A massive fire in downtown Cheboygan on Wednesday forced residents to shelter in place, according to Michigan State Police.

Firefighters were battling the blaze at the Tissue Depot located on Main Street, between West Lincoln Avenue and Court Street, police said.

Officials urged all residents within a one-mile radius of the fire to shut their windows and stay indoors due to large plumes of smoke emanating from the fire, police said. The alert was expected to stay in effect until Thursday.

Officials have not reported any injuries, or what caused the fire.

Officials closed numerous roads and urged the public to stay away from the area as crews worked to put out the fire, police said.

Many buildings in the area were also closed while crews battled the fire, police said.

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources also temporarily closed the Cheboygan Lock and Dam due to the fire. Officials do not know when the dam will reopen.

The DNR said an announcement will be made when the lock reopens to the public.