LANSING, MI (AP)-- The Michigan Department of Natural Resources has sent 18 people to help fight a fast-moving fire that has burned more than 9,500 acres in western Montana.
The crew includes fire officers, foresters and one surveyor.
Forest Resources Division chief Bill O'Neill said Thursday the staffers have been trained to battle fires and are ready to go wherever needed. He says it's important for states to cooperate during emergencies.
About 50 large, uncontained fires are burning around the nation.
O'Neill says the DNR is well-equipped to deal with any wildfires that might break out in Michigan, even with some of its staffers dispatched elsewhere.
