A Lake State Railway engine at the Alpena Yard, March 3, 2007. Photo: LSRC

In February, 2010 we covered the criminal charges that were filed against the Lake State Railway for allegedly starting a 2008 fire that burned 1,300 acres of forest, several homes, and other buildings in Grayling, Michigan. The Attorney General claims that the fire was caused by a train engine that was not equipped with spark arrestors. The estimates for damages include $464,000 in timber loss, $370,000 in personal property, and $100,000 in fire suppression costs.

It still has not gone to trial. In fact a hearing that would decide whether the preliminary evidence provides probable cause for the case to proceed to Circuit Court scheduled for September 28 was adjourned until November 16, 2010. However we have been told that Lake State Railway will likely plead no contest and will be ordered to pay restitution.

The same engine is suspected of starting 11 other fires in Alpena, Michigan on April 5, 2010.

Civil suit filed

On September 17, 2010 the Grayling Game Club filed a civil suit against the railroad. During the fire in 2008 500 acres of the club’s property burned, in addition to several cabins. Michigan law allows for the club to recover triple the value of the property destroyed, which is estimated to be over $1 million. The club is represented by Southfield, Michigan attorney Paul F. Doherty.