BURNING

The Amazon once absorbed more carbon than it released, but it now accounts for more than 1 billion metric tons of emissions every year.

SUMPTER TOWNSHIP, Mich. – Authorities are urging residents of Sumpter Township to avoid “outside burning of any kind” as the region is considered at high risk for wildfires Thursday. According to the Sumpter Township Police Department, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has identified the township area as being at very high risk of wildfires due to dry ground conditions. Residents are being asked to avoid any outdoor burning activities to prevent a wildland fire. Authorities say they have responded to several wildland and/or field fires in the surrounding area over the past week, and five within Sumpter Township over the last two days. Sumpter Township police say that residents whose “negligent activity leads to wildland fire and subsequent property destruction can be held liable, both criminally and civilly.”To learn more about fire safety, visit the DNR’s website right here.

LA SALLE, Mich. – Dozens of fire crews battled a three-alarm fire Friday Morning at the Toledo Beach Marina in La Salle. ORIGINAL STORY: Video: Large fire burns at Toledo Beach Marina in Monroe CountyDec. 7 update: Fire chief: Cause of Toledo Beach Marina fire may never be determinedThe fire was called in just before 7 a.m. By noon, firefighters were able to get some of the flames under control, but there was still significant smoke from the area. At one point, the smoke was so thick, the flashing emergency lights of first responders could barely be seen. An entire building filled with hundreds of boats was nearly destroyed on the shore of Lake Erie. Despite being on the shore of Lake Erie, crews were unable to get enough water to battle the fire properly.

LA SALLE, Mich. – Firefighters are on the scene of a three-alarm fire Friday at the Toledo Beach Marina in La Salle, Mich.Watch the video above showing the massive flames and thick smoke at the marina. Dec. 7 update: Fire chief: Cause of Toledo Beach Marina fire may never be determinedMonroe County Emergency Manager Mark Hammond said there have been no injuries reported, but hundreds, if not more, boats have been damaged or destroyed by the fire. Hammond said the biggest issue they face has been getting water to put out the fire because marinas like this one are meant for getting boats in the water, not for large trucks. They have been having a difficult time getting the fire trucks to a place where they can get water they can use. Here is a statement from the marina Friday morning, explaining all marina employees are safe and that an investigation into the cause is underway:“A fire occurred this morning at Safe Harbor Toledo Beach in LaSalle, Michigan.