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MANISTIQUE -- A criminal investigation is underway concerning a fire at U.P. Paper LLC in Manistique.
A criminal investigation into the origin and cause of the fire is ongoing by Manistique Public Safety officers, according to a press release from the Manistique Public Safety Department. Individuals of interest have been identified, but no details as to who or why will be released pending a completed investigation.
It is to be noted that no foul play is suspected involving U.P. Paper LLC or any of its employees. The investigation has found that the suspects have no affiliation with the company or any of their employees, investigators said.
The blaze destroyed recycled cardboard valued at $100,000.
On Friday, at approximately 3 p.m. Manistique Public Safety Department was dispatched to a report of a fire in the outdoor product storage area of U.P. Paper LLC.
Immediately Manistique Public Safety command requested both pumper and tanker support from surrounding agencies, including agencies from Delta County. Firefighters from Manistique Public Safety and the Manistique Volunteer Fire Department immediately attacked the fire using multiple master streams.
The cardboard being stored was in the form of tightly banded 1,100 pound bales. An estimated 1,200 bales were destroyed. Fire crews from Schoolcraft and Delta counties sprayed approximately a million gallons of water on the materials.
Primary fire crews remained on scene for approximately 18 hours. No injuries were reported.