WASHINGTON – Congressman Bart Stupak (D-Menominee) today met with local firefighters, Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) officials, U.S. Fish and Wildlife officials, and other local and state officials that are cooperating in their efforts to battle the forest fire in Luce County.

“I wanted to come to Newberry to show my support and appreciation to the brave first responders who are doing such an exceptional job under such trying circumstances,” Stupak noted.

Stupak met with the firefighters during their daily morning briefing in Newberry.  Stupak also toured the Michigan Department of Natural Resources’ Incident Command Post in Newberry.

“I am proud of the work being done here and the way that all of Luce County, indeed all of the U.P., has pulled together in the face of this disaster,” Stupak said.  “The first responders battling this fire are an inspiration to all of us.”

Stupak continued by saying that he was ready to help secure federal funding and resources. 

“I want the firefighters, the DNR, the Governor’s office and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to know how much we appreciate their service and their valiant efforts fighting one of the largest fires in Michigan history,” Stupak added.  “I always defer to the experts in the field during these emergencies, but if they need any help at the federal level, I will fight to secure them the resources they need.”

“Now that Governor Granholm has declared an emergency, I will be looking for additional ways for the federal government to assist state and local first responders in fighting this fire,” Stupak added. 

Earlier this week, Stupak wrote to the head of the Michigan Department of Natural Resources to offer to work to secure federal resources, if requested by state officials.