An investigation into a series of wildfires in Alpena has been sitting at the Michigan Attorney General’s Office for about 3 months.
 
A total of 11 wildfires broke out along the railroad tracks in Alpena on April 5, 2010, starting in the city and heading south out of town.  The first fire started around 5:30 p.m., burning about an acre of grass off Third Avenue near the tracks. 
 
Lake State Railway Company is at the center of the investigation.  A Lake State engine might have started the fires as it passed by.  The railroad company is already facing criminal charges for allegedly starting the 2008 fire that torched some 1,300 acres of forest, several homes and other buildings in Grayling. 

This approximate one acre grassy area off Third Avenue is 1 of 11 wildfires that occurred on Monday, April 5, 2010.

Paul Kollmeyer, a Department of Natural Resources and Environment Wildfire Prevention Specialist conducted a large part of the Alpena investigation and said a final report was submitted to the AG’s office within a week of the fires occurring.  Kollmeyer could not say what is contained in his report, but did say the AG’s office and Lake State have been in discussions. 

Joy Yearout, a spokesperson from the AG’s office said it is still uncertain what will become of the case involving the Alpena wildfires, but added the outcome will likely be impacted by a resolution over the Grayling fire and a second one in Arenac County, both linked to Lake State Railway.